Simple Homemade Cookies with Vanilla Icing

To start with the cookie dough, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agent, which gives your cookies a perfect rise.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar, while continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, is vital as it introduces air into your dough, ensuring your cookies are tender.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, and mix on low speed until the dough comes together.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle, and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake cookies for about 12-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet even after they're out of the oven!

While the cookies cool, prepare the vanilla icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set completely before storing or serving the cookies.

Enjoy these perfect homemade cookies with vanilla icing, wonderfully crunchy, yet maintaining a light, melt-in-your-mouth softness. Trust me, the smiles they bring are worth every minute spent baking.