Ingredients:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Chill the dough (optional): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll and cut into shapes.
7. Shape the cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes (e.g., circles, stars, hearts).
8. Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Shaping the Cookies:

• Traditional Shape: Use a round cookie cutter or simply roll small balls of dough and flatten them with the bottom of a glass for uniform circular shapes.
• Unique Shapes: Use themed cookie cutters for special occasions (stars, hearts, animals). You can also use a knife to cut the dough into squares or triangles.
• Add Patterns: After cutting the dough, you can use a fork, skewer, or cookie stamp to add texture or patterns to the surface.

Ideas for Branding Your Vanilla Cookies

1. Name: Choose a simple, memorable name that evokes the flavor and quality of the product, like “Vanilla Dream Cookies” or “Golden Vanilla Bites.”
2. Packaging:
   • Rustic Theme: Use kraft paper boxes or bags with twine for a homemade, artisanal look.
   • Minimalist Theme: Opt for clear or frosted plastic bags with a clean label, emphasizing the natural vanilla ingredients.
   • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Use biodegradable materials and highlight sustainability in your brand.
3. Logo and Design:
   • Classic Look: Incorporate vanilla flowers or pods in the design, with soft, pastel colors like cream or light brown.
   • Modern Look: Go for bold, simple fonts and minimalistic designs with a focus on the ingredient list.
4. Slogan:
   • “Baked with pure vanilla, crafted with love.”
   • “Classic vanilla flavor in every bite.”
5. Target Audience: Market the cookies as a perfect snack for families, kids, or as elegant treats for gifting during holidays or special events.