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
Scale
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.
