If you have been searching for a delightful and classic treat to share with friends and family, this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are irresistibly soft yet hold their perfect shape for fun decorating, making them the go-to sugar cookies for holidays, parties, or any sweet craving. With simple ingredients that come together effortlessly, you’ll enjoy crafting and customizing these beautiful cookies that taste just as amazing as they look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe lies in its uncomplicated, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a critical role to ensure a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance, turning a few staples into a batch of charming and scrumptious cookies.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness that every good sugar cookie needs.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep cookies tender without puffing them up too much.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, buttery base that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps cookies achieve that slight crisp on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and keeps the dough soft.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Delivers warm, comforting flavor that’s classic and addictive.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty depth that elevates the taste.
- Optional decorating items (icing, sprinkles, colored sugar): For that festive, personalized touch to make your cookies shine.
How to Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. This step ensures your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, which results in a consistently tender cookie every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, helping your cookies develop that soft crumb and slight crisp at the edges once baked.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated. These additions bring moisture and delicious flavor to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to two days. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut clean shapes without sticking or losing form.
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your surface, roll out one dough disc to about ¼-inch thick, and use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Place them about one inch apart on the baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake each batch for 8–10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. This delicate timing keeps cookies soft but ensures they hold their structure perfectly. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies
Once cooled, it’s time to get creative! Use icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add that personal flair that makes each cookie uniquely yours. Decorating is as much fun as baking and turns these treats into festive delights for any occasion.
How to Serve Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of royal icing can transform your cookies from sweet to spectacular. Bright colored icing and shiny sprinkles bring joy and personality, perfect for holidays or themed parties.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. For a grown-up twist, try them alongside tea, coffee, or even a smooth dessert wine to complement their buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your decorated sugar cookies on a festive platter with fresh berries, edible flowers, or nuts to add color and texture. Packaging them in cute boxes with ribbons makes a thoughtful gift that friends and family will cherish and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your beautifully baked and undecorated sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready whenever you have a sudden craving.
Freezing
The dough freezes exceptionally well! Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, roll out, and cut shapes as usual. Cookies also freeze successfully after baking and cooling, just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave brings back a freshly baked experience. Avoid overheating or they might become dry. Alternatively, a low-temperature oven warm-up for a few minutes works beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe without almond extract?
Absolutely! Almond extract is optional and can be omitted without changing the texture of the cookies. Vanilla extract alone provides plenty of wonderful flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting helps maintain the cookie shapes. Also, avoid over-softening the butter and make sure to measure flour accurately to achieve the right dough consistency.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is best for this recipe because it balances tenderness and structure. Using cake flour could make the cookies too soft and delicate, while bread flour may result in a tougher texture.
What is the best way to decorate these sugar cookies?
Royal icing works beautifully for crisp lines and detailed designs, while a simple powdered sugar glaze adds a quick and tasty touch. Adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking can also create colorful, festive effects.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, these cut-out sugar cookies remain fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go and preserves their delightful taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe from scratch. It’s a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas while giving you the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether decorating for holidays, special occasions, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and cake-worthy compliments. Give this recipe a try soon and discover how simple ingredients can create such magical moments!
Print
Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies (depending on size)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe produces classic, soft and slightly crisp cookies perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies have a tender crumb and a subtly sweet vanilla-almond flavor. Ideal for holiday decorating, parties, or gifting, the dough chills well and can be rolled out for precise cut shapes. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add your personal touch to each cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Decorating (Optional)
- Icing
- Sprinkles
- Colored sugar
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
- Add Egg and Flavors: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes and place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color, ensuring not to overbake for softer cookies.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once fully cooled, decorate as desired with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to give your cookies a festive touch.
Notes
- For crispier cookies, roll dough slightly thinner before baking.
- For softer cookies, watch the baking time carefully and avoid overbaking.
- Use royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze for decorating.
- Un-decorated cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; decorate after thawing.
