Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a timeless favorite, known for their sweet flavor and tender texture. Ideal for holidays, parties, or any festive occasion, these cookies serve as a perfect canvas for decorative icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you to create beautifully crafted cookies that taste as good as they look.
Ingredients:
Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing (Optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 3: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Step 4: Roll each portion of dough on a lightly floured parchment paper or silicone mat to about ¼-inch thickness. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.
Baking:
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 6: Remove one portion of the chilled dough at a time, cutting out cookies with your desired cookie cutters. Place cookies 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Re-roll scraps, chill, and cut more cookies.
Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate (Optional):
Step 8: For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed. Tint with gel food coloring if desired.
Step 9: Decorate the cooled cookies and let the icing set before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these sugar cookies as is, or get creative with colorful icing and decorations. They’re perfect for gift-giving or setting a festive mood on any dessert table.
Tips:
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough mix smoothly.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to cut and to keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Storage:
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and decorate as needed.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes active, 1-2 hours inactive
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approx. 150 per cookie
- Servings: About 36 cookies
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
Q: What’s the best way to ensure uniform thickness in rolled dough?
A: Use rolling pin rings or sticks of equal thickness on either side of the dough to keep it even while rolling.
Conclusion
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are not just a treat to eat; they’re also a joy to make. Whether you’re decorating with kids or preparing for a special event, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and add a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Enjoy baking and decorating your own batch of perfect sugar cookies!
PrintSoft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing (Optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 3: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Step 4: Roll each portion of dough on a lightly floured parchment paper or silicone mat to about ¼-inch thickness. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.
Baking:
Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 6: Remove one portion of the chilled dough at a time, cutting out cookies with your desired cookie cutters. Place cookies 2-3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Re-roll scraps, chill, and cut more cookies.
Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate (Optional):
Step 8: For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed. Tint with gel food coloring if desired.
Step 9: Decorate the cooled cookies and let the icing set before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these sugar cookies as is, or get creative with colorful icing and decorations. They’re perfect for gift-giving or setting a festive mood on any dessert table.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough mix smoothly.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to make it easier to cut and to keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Storage:
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and decorate as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 36 cookies
- Calories: 150 per cookie