There’s something so comforting about baking cookies, especially when the whole family gathers around to roll, cut, and decorate them. Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to add a little sweetness to your day. They’re soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for creative decorations.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create these delicious cookies, from perfecting the dough to adding a finishing touch with icing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for soft, delightful sugar cookies.
Ingredients for Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:
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For the Cookies:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Salted butter (softened) | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs (room temperature) | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | ½ teaspoon (or ¼ teaspoon for subtlety) |
For the Icing (Optional):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups (sifted) |
| Milk | 3–4 tablespoons |
| Light corn syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Gel food coloring | Optional |
Why You’ll Love Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Soft Texture: The perfect balance of buttery and soft, with a slight chew.
- Holds Shape: These cookies don’t spread, making them ideal for intricate cut-out shapes.
- Customizable: Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain for a classic treat.
- Family-Friendly: A fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
1. Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature.
- Measure the flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- This step incorporates air, ensuring soft and tender cookies.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for a deliciously fragrant dough.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 1–2 hours, or up to overnight, to make rolling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
7. Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake and Cool
- Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make and Use Icing for Sugar Cookies
1. Prepare the Icing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker icing) or milk (for thinner icing).
2. Add Food Coloring
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to each, if desired.
- Stir until the colors are evenly distributed.
3. Decorate Your Cookies
- Use piping bags, squeeze bottles, or a simple spoon to decorate your cookies.
- Allow the icing to set completely before storing or stacking the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
1. Don’t Skip the Chilling Step
Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and prevents over-spreading in the oven.
2. Use Quality Extracts
Pure vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor, making your cookies taste bakery-quality.
3. Test for Doneness
Cookies should look set but not browned on top. Overbaking can make them dry.
4. Experiment with Shapes
Use themed cookie cutters for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions to make your cookies stand out.
5. Store Properly
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Creative Decorating Ideas for Sugar Cookies
- Holiday Themes: Snowflakes, Christmas trees, or hearts for Valentine’s Day.
- Kid-Friendly Designs: Animals, cartoon characters, or initials.
- Edible Glitter and Sprinkles: Add sparkle and fun to your cookies.
- Personalized Messages: Write names or short phrases with icing for special events.
FAQs About Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough in the fridge before rolling.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough thoroughly and avoid using too much butter. Baking at the correct temperature is also key.
3. What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit it or replace it with extra vanilla extract for a simpler flavor.
4. Can I use this recipe without cookie cutters?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly with a glass for round cookies.
5. Is the icing necessary?
The cookies are delicious on their own, but icing adds extra flavor and makes them look festive.
6. How do I thin the icing for flooding?
Add a small amount of milk to the icing and mix until it reaches a runny consistency, ideal for flooding the cookie surface.
Conclusion: Bake Memories with Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Making Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday, or simply indulging in some kitchen therapy, this recipe guarantees soft, flavorful cookies every time.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let your creativity shine as you decorate these delightful treats. You’ll not only bake cookies but also create cherished memories to savor for years to come.
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