Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—these cut-out sugar cookies are a must-bake for every occasion. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday party, or just a sweet treat to share with loved ones, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

The dough is easy to work with, and the cookies hold their shape beautifully when baked, making them ideal for cookie cutters and fun decorations.

Ingredients List

Dough Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor)

Optional Icing Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools is essential to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): To cream the butter and sugar to perfection, making the dough smooth and easy to work with.
2. Rolling Pin: For rolling the dough evenly to about ¼-inch thickness, perfect for making neat cut-out cookies.
3. Cookie Cutters: Choose your favorite shapes or seasonal cutters for the perfect cookies!
4. Baking Sheets: These are essential for placing your shaped cookies onto before baking.
5. Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: To line your baking sheets, ensuring the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
6. Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking, so they remain crisp and don’t get soggy.

These tools will help you create the most beautiful and delicious sugar cookies!

Dough Preparation

The dough for these soft cut-out sugar cookies comes together quickly and is a breeze to work with. It’s essential to follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth dough that’s easy to roll and cut into shapes.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will evenly distribute the dry ingredients and help the cookies bake evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing to combine.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Chilling the Dough

Once your dough has come together, it’s important to chill it to make it easier to roll and cut into shapes.

1. Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate: Place the wrapped dough in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight). Chilling the dough will firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Once your dough has chilled and firmed up, it’s time to roll it out, cut it into your favorite shapes, and bake these soft sugar cookies to golden perfection.

Rolling Out the Dough

1. Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour a clean surface or use a silicone mat for rolling. Take one portion of dough from the fridge, unwrap it, and place it on the floured surface.
2. Roll to Desired Thickness: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough starts to feel sticky, lightly dust it with more flour. If it gets too soft, return it to the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
3. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. For best results, use sharp cookie cutters that are well-floured to prevent sticking. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. Chill Again: For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the cut-out dough on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes in the fridge or freezer. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure it’s fully heated before placing your cookies inside.
2. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them; they bake quickly!
3. Cool on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating and Serving the Cookies

These soft sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when decorated! You can get creative with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make them special for any occasion.

To Prepare Icing (Optional)

1. Make the Icing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it thickens up. For a more vibrant and festive look, you can add a few drops of gel food coloring to the icing and mix until well combined.
3. Apply the Icing: Once your cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small spatula to decorate the cookies with the icing. You can create intricate designs or simple swirls, depending on your preference. Let the icing set for a few hours, allowing it to firm up before packaging or serving.

Optional Toppings

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles or nonpareils while the icing is still wet for extra flair.
• Edible Glitter: For a sparkling touch, sprinkle edible glitter on top of the iced cookies after they’ve dried slightly.
• Sugar Crystals: A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a bit of crunch and a beautiful shimmer.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Fresh

1. Store at Room Temperature: After decorating, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and delicious.
2. Freezing the Cookies: If you’d like to store your cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Conclusion

Soft cut-out sugar cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a little sweet moment. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decoration possibilities, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite. So, get creative with your icing and toppings, and enjoy baking these delightful cookies with loved ones. Happy baking!