Quick & Fluffy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when soft cut out sugar cookies arrive on the scene, promising delightful moments of pure joy.

Baking these treats connects us to childhood afternoons spent carefully decorating each delicate shape.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a perfect harmony that melts in your mouth.

Magical ingredients blend together, turning simple pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Every baker knows the secret lies in precise measurements and gentle handling of dough.

Soft, buttery, and wonderfully versatile, these cookies invite you to unleash your creativity with colorful frostings and festive designs.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular these sweet treasures can be.

Why Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Are Always a Hit

• Craft Creative Shapes: Design playful cookie cutouts perfect for any celebration, from holidays to birthdays, making baking a fun and personalized experience.
• Master Decorating Skills: Learn professional-level cookie decorating techniques with simple icing that transforms plain cookies into stunning edible art pieces.
• Freezer-Friendly Dough: Prepare cookie dough in advance and store in the freezer, ensuring you always have a delicious treat ready for spontaneous baking moments.
• Family Baking Adventure: Engage kids and adults alike in a collaborative cooking activity that sparks creativity and builds lasting memories through shared kitchen time.

Must-Have Ingredients for Soft Sugar Cookie Dough

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structural ingredient that gives the cookies their tender and soft texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth cookie surface.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the sugar cookies.
• Almond Extract: Provides a subtle, nutty background flavor that complements the sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Corn Syrup, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, glossy icing for decorating cookies.
• Gel Food Coloring: Allows for vibrant and precise color options when decorating the cookies.

How to Cut and Bake Sugar Cookies Like a Pro

Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended. This combination creates the foundation for your incredible cookies.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts to boost the flavor profile.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Preparing Dough for Chilling

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Roll each portion to a quarter-inch thickness between sheets of parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the dough.

Step 5: Preheating and Preparing

Heat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.

Step 6: Cutting and Baking Cookies

Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the chilled dough. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 7: Cooling Cookies

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Decorating (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar. Use gel food coloring to create vibrant designs.

Spread or pipe icing onto cooled cookies and allow to set for 30 minutes to a few hours.

Tips to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Stay Tender

• Soften butter to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother dough texture. Use fresh, high-quality extracts to enhance the cookie's delicate flavor profile. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking. Roll dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness. Store decorated cookies in a single layer between wax paper to preserve their intricate design and prevent smudging.

Sweet Style Ideas for Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Infusion: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, sweet surprise. Mix 1 cup of chips into the batter before chilling.
• Citrus Zest Upgrade: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cookie dough for a bright, tangy flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh citrus zest when mixing wet ingredients.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold in finely chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture and nutty depth. Mix 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the dough before rolling out.
• Spiced Holiday Version: Blend ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into the dry ingredients for a warm, festive profile. Add 1-2 teaspoons of mixed spices to create a cozy seasonal cookie.

What to Sip or Serve with Sugar Cookies

• Pairing Sweet Cookie Adventure
• Match creamy hot cocoa with these soft sugar cookies for a warm, comforting indulgence that melts perfectly together.
• Complement Festive Beverage
• Serve alongside spiced chai tea to highlight the cookie's delicate vanilla and almond notes, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Dessert Wine Elegance
• Select a late harvest Riesling with gentle sweetness that harmonizes with the cookie's buttery texture and enhances its delicate flavor profile.
• Childhood Nostalgia Drink
• Pour cold milk alongside these cookies for a classic combination that brings back memories of after-school treats, providing a simple yet delightful pairing.

How to Store Sugar Cookies Without Losing Softness

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze Undecorated: Wrap unbaked or baked plain cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before decorating or serving.
• Freeze Decorated: Layer iced cookies carefully with wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies briefly in microwave for 5-10 seconds to restore softness.

Quick Answers About Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

• What type of flour works best for these sugar cookies?

All-purpose flour is ideal for creating a soft, tender texture in these sugar cookies. Use unbleached flour for the best results and avoid cake or bread flour.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop better flavor and makes rolling easier.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading during baking?

Ensure your butter is at cool room temperature, not melted. Chill the rolled-out dough for at least 1-2 hours before cutting and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Why use both vanilla and almond extracts?

The combination adds depth and complexity to the cookie’s flavor.

Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories dance through Grandma’s Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies, bringing nostalgia and festive cheer to holiday gatherings. Delicate, buttery rounds with crisp edges offer sweet comfort and joyful connections you’ll cherish with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups (650 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup (170 g) salted butter

Base Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

Icing Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety dough by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugar until airy and pale. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts until harmonious.
2. Partition dough into two equal segments. Gently roll each portion to ¼-inch thickness between parchment sheets. Encase in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for optimal non-stick surface.
4. Extract chilled dough and unleash creativity with cookie cutters. Position shaped cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges transform to delicate golden hues. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transition to wire cooling racks.
5. For optional decoration, whisk powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until glossy and smooth. Adjust texture by incrementally adding milk or sugar. Introduce gel food coloring for vibrant hues. Apply icing via spreading or piping techniques. Allow decorated cookies to set for 30 minutes to several hours.

Notes

• Swap out almond extract with vanilla for a nut-free version that’s safe for those with allergies.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain clean, crisp cookie shapes during baking.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant icing without changing the consistency.
• Dust work surface with powdered sugar instead of flour to prevent dry, tough cookies and maintain delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg