If you’ve ever wanted to create the perfect sweet treat that’s as delightful to decorate as it is to devour, this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Tender yet sturdy, with just the right balance of buttery richness and sweet vanilla notes, these cookies roll out smooth and hold their shape like a dream. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive occasion or just craving a classic, homemade sugar cookie, this recipe is a warm invitation into a world of fun baking and tasty memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor—creamy butter adds richness, sugar sweetens without overpowering, and the vanilla infuses a fragrant warmth that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness to balance the buttery base.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a soft texture.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth and classic flavor to the dough.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty depth that elevates the flavor profile.
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives these cookies structure and shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender but not puffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a wonderfully tender texture that’s simply addictive.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients enrich the dough with moisture and flavor, creating the aromatic backdrop that makes these cookies so special.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix ensures that every bite has the perfect crumb and a gentle rise.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together into a soft ball. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender and prevent toughness.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling solidifies the butter, making your dough easier to roll out and ensuring crisp-edged cookies that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes — the possibilities are endless here, from classic circles to festive stars. Lay the cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about an inch apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a delicate golden hue. This timing is key to achieving cookies that are lightly crisp on the edges but still tender in the center.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period ensures they firm up just enough to be perfectly ready for decorating or enjoying plain.
How to Serve Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is its versatility when it comes to embellishments. Consider classic powdered sugar dustings for simplicity, or go all out with royal icing, colorful sprinkles, and edible glitter to turn each cookie into a personalized masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. Their buttery sweetness pairs perfectly with warm beverages, making any moment feel like a special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cut-outs on a festive platter lined with parchment and tied with a colorful ribbon for gift-giving. Use cookie tins layered with parchment paper for storage or as charming homemade presents. You can also string smaller, hardened cookies with ribbon for an edible garland that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft yet slightly crisp texture, so they’re just as enjoyable days later as on baking day.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, freeze the dough disks wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers. Remember to thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Reheating
To freshen up stored cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This slight heat lets the butter in the cookies soften just a bit, reviving that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning your cookies.
Why should I chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. It also develops the flavors and prevents spreading for perfectly defined cut-outs.
Can I substitute almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or have allergies, feel free to omit it altogether or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract. The cookies will still be delicious and flavorful.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid using too much butter or sugar beyond the recipe, as excess fat or sugar can cause cookies to spread excessively.
What icing works best for decorating these cookies?
Royal icing is ideal for this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe because it dries hard, allowing for intricate designs and fun layering. You can also use simple glaze icing or buttercream depending on your decorating preferences.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe a try and watch how it transforms your baking into a joyous, creative experience filled with sweet rewards. These cookies invite you to mix, shape, and decorate with endless enthusiasm — perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply savoring some well-deserved sweetness yourself.
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 yields classic, buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles. Soft yet sturdy, these cookies hold their shape beautifully thanks to chilling the dough before baking. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they are a festive favorite during holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough and help cookies hold shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough thoroughly before baking to maintain cookie shape.
- Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and tender.
- These cookies are perfect for adding icing, sprinkles, or other decorations.
- Dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
