Ingredients
Scale
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour (563 g. )
- 4½ tsp. baking powder (20 g.)
- ¾ tsp. salt
- 1½ cups 3 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature (12 oz.)
- 1½ cups sugar (200g)
- 3 large eggs
- 5 tsp. vanilla extract
For Frosting:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (8 oz)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (375-448g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract, or 2 tsp lemon juice
- milk or cream as needed.
Instructions
- Prep your workspace: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets. It’s worth investing in silicone mats—they give you even baking and no waste!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, so no sad, uneven cookies.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar on medium-high until it’s pale, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness (2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and let the heavenly aroma fill your kitchen.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop once everything’s incorporated.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for an hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out a scant quarter cup of dough (a bit smaller than a golf ball), roll it into a ball, and slightly flatten it. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space to spread.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set. The cookies will stay pale, so don’t wait for them to turn golden—otherwise, they’ll lose their softness. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
How to serve and enjoy
For a stunning presentation, arrange these cookies on a pretty platter and sprinkle a few edible rose petals on top. Pair them with a pot of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence. They’re also perfect for gifting—just stack a few in a decorative tin or wrap them in parchment paper and ribbon.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: dinner