Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

“`html

Nothing spells cozy sweetness quite like a classic batch of sugar cookies, especially when they come together as the Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe that I’m excited to share with you today. These cookies are soft, tender, and just the right amount of sweet, making them ideal for decorating or enjoying plain with a glass of milk. The blend of vanilla and a hint of almond extract gives them an irresistible depth of flavor, while the careful chill before baking ensures they hold their charming shapes beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a simple treat, these cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a special role: from the richness of butter to the delicate balance of vanilla and almond extracts, these ingredients come together to deliver a cookie with fabulous taste, satisfying texture, and the perfect base for decorating.

• All-purpose flour, 2 3/4 cups (sifted): Provides the structure for the cookies and ensures a tender crumb when combined properly.
• Salt, 1/4 tsp: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Baking powder, 1/2 tsp: Helps the cookies rise gently, contributing to their soft texture.
• Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Works alongside baking powder to give just the right lift and spread.
• Unsalted butter, 1 cup (room temperature): The star for richness and that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps create a delicate crisp edge on the cookies.
• One large egg: Binds all ingredients and adds moisture for a tender finish.
• Vanilla extract, 2 tsp: Infuses warm, familiar sweetness that defines a great sugar cookie.
• Almond extract, 1/2 tsp: Adds a subtle, fragrant twist that elevates the flavor profile.
• Powdered sugar, 4 cups (for icing): Essential for smooth, sweet, and perfect icing.
• Milk, 3 tbsp (for icing, adjust as needed): Helps reach the perfect icing consistency for decorating.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp (optional for icing): Deepens the flavor of your icing, making it just as delightful as the cookies.

How to Make Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is key to ensuring those cookies bake evenly and develop just the right golden edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your 2 ¾ cups of sifted all-purpose flour, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp baking soda in a bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which results in a consistent rise throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter together with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is fundamental to achieving a tender texture as it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Mix in 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture. These ingredients build the distinctive sweet and fragrant taste that’s signature to this Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Dry with Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so keep the stirring gentle for a smooth, pliable dough.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion out on parchment paper to about ¼ inch thickness, lightly dusting with flour to avoid sticking. Keeping the dough thin is crucial for clean cookie cutouts that bake evenly.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Wrap the rolled dough portions in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is a game-changer for maintaining crisp, defined cookie shapes after baking, so don’t skip it!

Step 8: Cut and Prepare

Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the cookies. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little breathing room for even baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cut-out cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Watching closely in these final minutes ensures cookies are soft inside but with a delicate, slightly crisp border.

Step 10: Cool Before Decorating

Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. This cooling step prevents icing from melting and sliding off, giving you a clean, beautiful surface for adding your finishing touches.

How to Serve Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Once your cookies are cooled, decorating becomes the fun part! Use colorful royal icing, sprinkle with edible glitter, or add tiny sugar pearls to make each cookie shine. Freshly chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can also add subtle texture and flavor without overpowering their classic taste.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of spiced tea, or even a frothy hot chocolate. They can also complement fresh fruit or a smooth yogurt dip for a delightful, balanced snack plate that everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cookies on a festive platter, arranged by color or shape to match the occasion. Stack them with edible ribbons for gifting, or create a charming cookie bouquet by attaching them to sticks wrapped with curling ribbon. Personalizing packaging in clear bags tied with twine also makes them irresistible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying some fresh cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and flavorful for up to a week. Layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking and maintains their beautiful appearance.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months, letting you enjoy your Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

If you want to refresh frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes, or pop them briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. This revives their softness while preserving their delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without almond extract?

Absolutely! Almond extract adds a subtle depth but can be omitted or substituted with more vanilla extract if you prefer a pure vanilla flavor.

How thick should I roll out the cookie dough?

Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thick is ideal—it helps the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape without spreading too much.

Can I decorate these cookies with frosting other than royal icing?

Definitely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze works well, but royal icing is best for detailed decorations that need to harden.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, which prevents spreading and helps the cookies retain their crisp, well-defined shapes during baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh and soft for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe—it’s such a joy to make and share. Once you taste these soft, sweet, and beautifully shaped cookies, you’ll see why they’re a favorite that keeps people coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for holidays, parties, or just because, these cookies will bring smiles and warmth to any occasion.

“`

Print