why make this recipe
Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. They are perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or just a cozy afternoon with your family. The beauty of sugar cookies lies in their versatility; you can decorate them however you like, making them a fun project for kids and adults alike. Plus, they have a soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible!
how to make Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Directions
Prep the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Next, include the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion onto lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone mat. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness using a floured rolling pin. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
Refrigerate: Dust the top of the rolled dough with flour, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.
Preheat and Cut: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Take one portion of dough from the refrigerator and use cookie cutters to cut it into your desired shapes. Place the shapes about 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you have scraps, re-roll them to cut out more cookies but make sure to chill the cut-out shapes in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are just lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.
To Prepare Icing (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can add gel food coloring for a festive touch if desired.
how to serve Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
These cookies can be served plain or decorated with icing and sprinkles. They are perfect for any event and can be arranged on a festive platter. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy treat.
how to store Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.
tips to make Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up and prevents cookies from spreading while baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Decorate with Care: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
variation
You can add different flavors to the cookies by using different extracts, like lemon or coconut. Additionally, try incorporating colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips into the dough for variety.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the recipe.
2. How do I get my cookies to hold their shape?
Chilling the dough is essential to preventing cookies from spreading. Make sure to chill the cut-out shapes before baking as well.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before rolling it out.
Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 125 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful soft and chewy sugar cookies perfect for any occasion, easily customizable with icing and decorations.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; then add vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, dust with flour, and roll out to ¼-inch thickness on parchment paper.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut out shapes from the chilled dough and place them on the baking sheets, chilling again if needed.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on racks.
- For optional icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth, adding food coloring if desired.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, dessert, baking, cutout cookies, festive cookies