Best Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut-Out Cookies Recipe
This Best Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut-Out Cookies yields soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet cookies ideal for shaping and decorating. These classic sugar cookies are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and deliver a tender texture that holds shapes well, making them perfect for festive occasions and cookie cutters.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 medium-sized cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This firms the dough and helps with rolling and cutting.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate your sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for cut-out cookies to maintain their shape while baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be slightly soft in the center to keep a tender texture.
- If you prefer, you can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: sugar cookies, cut-out cookies, vanilla almond cookies, holiday cookies, cookie cutter recipe