If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that brings back warm memories and encourages creativity, this Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is the answer. These cookies are tender yet sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes, making them perfect for festive occasions or any time you want to add a personal touch to your baking. With a buttery, sweet flavor and subtle hints of vanilla and almond, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into charming, irresistible cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe starts with just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the fluffy butter to the fragrant vanilla, every element contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth experience and clean, charming look.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to your cookie dough, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully when cut out.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift, making each cookie light and tender rather than dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth, highlighting buttery notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to richness and a tender crumb; soft but not melted is essential for the best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the delicate vanilla and almond undertones.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients smoothly while adding moisture for a cohesive dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, comforting aroma and flavor—absolutely essential for classic sugar cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle aromatic twist that makes these cookies stand out with a lovely nutty hint.
How to Make Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures everything is evenly distributed, laying the groundwork for your perfect cookie dough. Setting this aside keeps your dry ingredients ready for incorporation.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This fluffy texture is a sign you’re on the right track because it helps give your cookies that tender, airy finish once baked.
Step 3: Add Wet Flavors
Next, add your egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined. This stage fills your dough with beautiful aroma and just the right consistency to blend with the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a smooth dough forms, careful not to overmix. Proper mixing helps maintain tender cookies while keeping them sturdy enough for precise cuts.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and flatten each into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling is essential—it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut, so your shapes come out crisp and clean.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about a quarter inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, then place them an inch apart on the baking sheets. This thickness and spacing help cookies bake evenly and keep their charming shapes intact.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Once out of the oven, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling phase prevents breakage and readies them for decoration or immediate enjoyment.
How to Serve Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, adding royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or delicate buttercream frosting elevates their charm significantly. You can get creative by piping intricate designs or keeping it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness and snowy effect.
Side Dishes
Sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, rich hot chocolate, or freshly brewed coffee. For festive gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add contrasts in temperature and texture for a delightful tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your cookies into charming gifts by arranging them in decorative tins or wrapping them individually with ribbons. You can also create cookie sandwiches with layers of frosting in between or assemble colorful cookie platters for parties that’ll impress both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cut out sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They generally stay delicious for up to a week, maintaining their lovely softness and flavor without drying out too quickly.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. If you’ve baked extra cookies, store them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and thaw at room temperature when you want a sweet treat.
Reheating
Reheat your cookies gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for a couple of minutes if you prefer them warm, but be careful not to overdo it as this can dry them out. A quick zap in the microwave for around 10 seconds also works well for a soft, warm bite.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?
Yes, you can, but be sure to reduce the additional salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning your cookies since salted butter adds extra salt content.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much when baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting helps prevent spreading by firming up the butter. Also, avoid using softened butter that is too warm or melted.
Can I add food coloring to this Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add food coloring to the dough for colorful cookies or use colored icing and sprinkles after baking to make festive designs.
What can I substitute for almond extract if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar warm flavor, though almond adds a distinct nutty note.
How long can I keep decorated cut out sugar cookies fresh?
Decorated cookies typically stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It’s simple enough for bakers of all levels and versatile enough to suit any occasion or celebration. From the satisfying process of cutting out shapes to the endless decorating possibilities, these cookies warm the heart and delight the palate. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a sprinkle of happiness to every cookie jar.
Print
Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe delivers classic, tender sugar cookies perfect for rolling out and cutting into festive shapes. The dough is enriched with butter and flavored with vanilla and optional almond extract, making it ideal for decorating with royal icing or buttercream frosting for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 half teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 half teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation into the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavors and Egg: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined, ensuring the dough is well-flavored and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth cookie dough forms with no streaks of flour.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half and flatten each into a disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough and help it hold shape when cut.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about one quarter inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer the cookies to the baking sheets, spacing them about one inch apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but not browned, ensuring a tender crumb without overbaking.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows them to firm up for decorating.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough thoroughly before cutting to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- These cookies are excellent for decorating with royal icing or buttercream frosting for special occasions and holidays.
