Sweet Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Golden Sweet Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe: Fun Family Baking!

Baking delightful cut out sugar cookies always sparks joy in kitchens everywhere.

Soft, buttery sugar cookies create magical moments during holiday gatherings.

These classic treats deliver pure happiness with every delicate bite.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistible for everyone.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Decorated with colorful frosting or enjoyed plain, these cookies promise smiles and sweet memories.

You’ll love how easy and delicious this recipe can be.

Unleash your inner baker and let the cookie magic begin!

Frosting Ideas and Sprinkle Fun for Every Season

  • Refrigerate dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure crisp cookie edges during baking.
  • Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, saving time on baking day.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining similar texture and taste.
  • Use royal icing or buttercream frosting to transform plain sugar cookies into festive, colorful treats perfect for holidays and special occasions.
  • Let butter and egg sit out 30 minutes before mixing to create smoother, more evenly incorporated dough that yields softer cookies.
  • Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies in a colorful display with different shapes and sizes, creating a visually appealing dessert centerpiece perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
  • Sweet Icing Adventure: Decorate cookies with royal icing in vibrant colors, using piping bags to create intricate designs like snowflakes, hearts, or seasonal patterns that make each cookie unique.
  • Teatime Companion: Serve these tender sugar cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, allowing the delicate sweetness to complement your favorite hot beverage for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Gift of Love: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, teachers, or family members during special occasions.

Store Sugar Cookies So They Stay Soft and Tasty

  • Mix and refrigerate dough up to 24 hours ahead, allowing flavors to develop and making baking day easier.
  • Wrap raw dough disks tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
  • Store baked cookies in airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain soft texture.
  • Prepare cookie dough 2-3 days before baking event. Keep refrigerated until ready to roll, cut, and bake for maximum convenience and minimal day-of stress.

FAQs

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly before cutting and baking. Make sure your butter is at the right temperature – slightly cool but still soft – and avoid overworking the dough.

  • What kind of flour works best for these sugar cookies?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides the right structure and texture for soft, tender cut-out cookies.

  • Can I substitute the milk in the recipe?

You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just ensure it’s at room temperature when adding to the dough.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies You’ll Love

For The Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and smooth texture for classic sugar cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Creates gentle lift and soft, airy crumb in the cookie.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Sweetness and Richness:
  • Granulated Sugar: Delivers pure sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden edges.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, creamy flavor and contributes to tender cookie texture.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor and complements sweet ingredients.
  • Milk: Softens dough and helps create smooth, pliable consistency.

Tools That Help Roll and Cut Sugar Cookies Just Right

  • Stand or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing dough smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients.
  • Large mixing bowl: Needed for mixing wet ingredients and creating cookie dough.
  • Plastic wrap: Used to wrap and chill dough.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheet: Required for baking cookies (optional mention if baking is part of instructions).

Bake Soft Cut Outs That Keep Their Shape

  • Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab your mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly combined.

  • Cream Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and airy.

  • Add Liquid Elements

Drop in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, then mix thoroughly until everything looks smooth and well-integrated.

  • Form Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.

  • Chill The Dough

Split the dough into two equal portions, shape into round disks, and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour or up to a full day to enhance flavor and texture.

  • Prepare For Baking

When ready to bake, remove dough from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.

  • Bake To Perfection

Preheat oven and transfer cookie shapes onto baking sheets. Bake until edges are lightly golden, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.

Print
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Sweet Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Classic sugar cookies called Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies bring festive charm to holiday celebrations. Delicate shapes with colorful frosting invite bakers to create memorable treats that family and friends will adore.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
  • 2 tbsps milk
  • 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps meringue powder
  • 46 tbsps water
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dry Mixture Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients for consistent texture.
  2. Butter Creaming: Beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency with a pale, voluminous appearance.
  3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the creamed mixture, mixing until completely smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Dough Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed, carefully combining until a soft, pliable dough forms without overworking the batter.
  5. Chilling Process: Divide dough into two disks, wrap tightly in plastic film, and refrigerate for 1-24 hours to enhance flavor and facilitate easier rolling.
  6. Rolling and Cutting: Remove chilled dough, roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness, and use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
  7. Baking: Arrange cut cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, positioning them 1 inch apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are delicately golden, then cool completely on wire racks before decorating.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration is crucial for preventing cookie spread and maintaining shape, so don’t skip or rush this step – aim for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies; overmixing develops gluten and can result in harder texture.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform dough with better texture and consistent flavor distribution.
  • Dust Surface Lightly: When rolling out dough, use minimal flour to prevent dryness; too much flour can make cookies tough and alter the delicate, soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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