Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the middle position and heat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. With a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and airy, about 3 min. Give the bowl a good scrape with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat until the mixture is fully blended, about 2 min. Scrape down the bowl once more.
3. Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture slowly, mixing just until it disappears into the dough, about 30 seconds. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into a bowl of granulated sugar, roll them until coated, and place the sugared balls about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers still feel a little soft, 15 to 18 min. Leave the cookies on the sheet for 1 min. before moving them to a rack to finish cooling. Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.