If you’re on the hunt for a delightful classic that never goes out of style, this Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are not just sweet treats; they’re blank canvases for creativity, bursting with buttery goodness and a gentle vanilla aroma that fills your home with warmth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer that perfectly tender yet sturdy texture that holds decorations beautifully while melting just right in your mouth. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday party, or simply craving something nostalgic, this recipe is your go-to for delicious, crowd-pleasing sugar cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, classic ingredients come together in this recipe to create a truly exceptional cookie. Each component plays its own crucial role—from the richness of butter to the fluffiness added by baking powder—making these cookies a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, chilled and cubed): Adds richness and tenderness, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens perfectly, while also helping with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the dough together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Lightens the dough so the cookies aren’t overly dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a soft bite.
How to Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking pans with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the chilled butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy—usually about 2 minutes. This step is the secret to a tender texture, as it traps air that helps the cookies rise gently.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, blending everything until smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go to make sure all ingredients get incorporated perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Lower your mixer speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until the dough starts to come together to avoid making it tough. Finish by folding and pressing the dough together with a rubber spatula—this gentle handling keeps your cookies tender.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Divide the dough into two halves, working with one at a time. Roll it out to roughly ¼-inch thickness for that ideal cookie thickness—thin enough to be delicate but thick enough to hold your shape. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they feel firm but still look pale. Watch closely—overbaking can dry them out, and underbaking can make them too soft to handle decorating.
Step 7: Cool and Prepare
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling helps them set just right, ensuring your cut-out shapes hold beautifully.
How to Serve Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Once cooled, these cut-out sugar cookies are the perfect canvas for all sorts of decorations. Try vibrant royal icing for intricate designs, or simple sprinkles and colored sugars for a fun and festive touch. Edible glitter or small candies also add a playful sparkle that both kids and adults adore.
Side Dishes
Cut-out sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a cold glass of milk for an unbeatable combo that brings out their buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies make fantastic gifts and party favors. Stack them in clear bags tied with ribbons for a personal touch, or arrange them on a decorative platter with seasonal accents like pine sprigs or fresh flowers. For gatherings, setting up a decorating station with different icings and toppings invites fun and interaction, turning your Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe into a memorable event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy for up to a week, ready for any snack attack or last-minute decorating session.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough or baked cookies to enjoy later. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well too—just layer parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.
Reheating
When you want to bring frozen cookies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm them in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) for a few minutes to soften the texture and refresh the buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine. Just note that the cookies might be less rich and a bit softer, so results can vary.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting helps maintain the shape. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overworking the dough to keep it from becoming too warm.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind texture differences; you might need to adjust flour amounts slightly for the best results.
What’s the best way to decorate my cut-out sugar cookies?
Royal icing is a classic choice for detailed designs, but simple frostings or colored sugars are just as delightful. Experiment with piping bags, edible markers, and sprinkles to personalize your cookies.
Can this dough be used for both cookies and bars?
This dough is specifically designed for cut-out cookies due to its firmness and ability to hold shape. For bars or softer cookies, a different dough recipe might work better.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe as much as I do. There’s something so heartwarming about rolling out dough, pressing in your favorite shapes, and seeing those little pieces of joy rise in the oven. Whether for a holiday celebration or just a sweet moment any day, these cookies bring a simple happiness that’s hard to beat. So grab your rolling pin and cookie cutters, and start creating delicious memories today!
Print
Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies that are perfectly soft, buttery, and subtly sweet. Ideal for festive occasions or as a simple treat, these cookies can be shaped with your favorite cutters and decorated as you like, making them fun for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking pans with parchment paper and set aside to ensure cookies do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the chilled, cubed butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This creates the perfect texture for the cookie base.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Leavening: Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Incorporate Flour: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix only until the dough just comes together to avoid overworking. Finish mixing with a rubber spatula by folding and pressing the dough to ensure even flour distribution.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Divide the dough in half and work with one half at a time. Roll the dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the shapes on your prepared baking sheets, keeping at least 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch but still pale in color. Avoid browning for a tender texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up properly and prevents breakage.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled butter to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- If you wish to decorate, wait until the cookies are completely cool before applying icing or sprinkles.
- You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Rolling the dough between sheets of parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make transferring easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
