I've been whipping out batches of sugar cookies like never before. That's because my little boy is old enough to help. He's six, plenty old to roll out dough and make cut-outs with cookie cutters. You can, too. The butter has to be fairly soft.
Many people stop their beating way short of fluffy.
Don't be surprised to be able to turn on the mixer and walk away for a minute or two. Now you'll add three ingredients without beating. First, add an egg. You don't have to beat it first, just crack it into the butter. Next, take a little lemon zest off a lemon and add it.