If you have ever dreamed of creating picture-perfect, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that you can cut into any shape your heart desires, then you are in for a treat with The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe. This charming classic balances the perfect amount of sweetness and tenderness with a delicate snap around the edges, making it the ideal base for festive decorating or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Whether it’s for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or just a cozy afternoon baking session, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite for creating stunning and delicious sugar cookies every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is simpler than you might think, yet each item plays a crucial role in the final texture, flavor, and appearance. With these basic pantry staples, you’ll build a cookie dough that’s perfectly sturdy for cutting while staying tender enough to delight your taste buds.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that ensures your cookies hold their shape beautifully while keeping a soft crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender texture without spreading too thin.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of flavor in each bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds that classic sweet crunch and caramelizes lightly on the cookie edges.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold: Cold butter creates a slight flakiness and richness that makes the cookies irresistibly luscious.
- 2 eggs: Bind the dough together and contribute to a tender, yet sturdy bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Offers a subtle nutty undertone that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and familiar sweetness that makes the cookies comforting and cozy.
How to Make The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the cold butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this process is what gives your cookies that delicately tender and dreamy texture. Next, add in the eggs along with the almond and vanilla extracts, blending thoroughly to infuse the dough with those lovely aromatic notes.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the flour, resulting in lighter cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together to avoid overworking the dough and keep the cookies tender.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and let it rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes—this optional step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, and chilling makes the dough easier to roll out without sticking.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
On a well-floured surface, roll the dough out until it’s about a quarter of an inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes—whether you’re making stars, hearts, or holiday-themed figures, this is the moment to get creative and have fun.
Step 5: Freeze Before Baking
Transfer the cut cookies onto a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This quick chill helps maintain the crisp edges and sharp details of the shapes during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 8 minutes, just until the edges start to turn a gentle golden hue. Don’t overbake to keep the inside soft yet firm enough to hold the shape beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack—this ensures the icing won’t melt when applied. Then, decorate using your favorite icing recipe or sprinkles to add personality and fun to your cookies.
How to Serve The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing complements these cut out sugar cookies like colorful royal icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles. Adding a delicate dusting of powdered sugar can also lend an elegant, frosted look perfect for festive occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or a cup of fragrant tea to create a delightful snack experience that everyone will love. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit platters or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your decorated cookies on a charming platter with seasonal garnishes like cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or fresh herbs like rosemary. For parties, tie a small bunch with colorful ribbons or package them in cellophane bags as thoughtful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover cut out sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent the cookies from becoming stale or soft from moisture in the air.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the raw dough formed into a disk wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and continue with rolling and cutting. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully; store them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To freshen up your cookies, warm them for just 5-6 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?
Absolutely! While the almond extract adds a lovely subtle nuttiness, you can omit it or replace it with a little extra vanilla extract without losing much of the classic sugar cookie flavor.
How thick should I roll the dough for cutting out cookies?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thick is ideal. This thickness ensures the cookies hold their shape well during baking while staying tender and not too thick or hard.
Why should I chill the dough before cutting out shapes?
Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, making it easier to roll and cut clean shapes, and also helps prevent excessive spreading when baking your cookies.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum, you can create equally delicious cut out sugar cookies. Just be mindful that texture might differ slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Final Thoughts
Making The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is such a joyful and rewarding baking adventure that brings both nostalgia and pure happiness with each bite. Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and charm that’s hard to beat. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll be sharing your own delicious memories with friends and family!
Print
The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe yields perfectly tender and buttery cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating. With a simple blend of classic ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want a sweet treat to decorate and enjoy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cold butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. Then add in the eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the wet ingredients are smooth and homogenous.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine and aerate the flour. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined to form the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and optionally place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill, which helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a well-floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes as desired, ensuring even sizes for uniform baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cut-out cookie shapes to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to slightly firm the cookies, helping them keep their shape while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Remove the cookie sheet from the freezer and bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked but still tender inside.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating them with your preferred icing or decorations to create festive and customizable designs.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is optional but recommended for easier handling and better shape retention.
- Freezing the cut cookies before baking helps prevent spreading and keeps the edges crisp.
- Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center for the best texture.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Decorate after cookies have fully cooled to avoid melting and smudging icing.
