If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between tender, buttery softness and that classic sugary charm, then this Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are irresistibly soft, hold their shapes beautifully thanks to careful chilling and rolling, and come infused with a delightful hint of almond that elevates the traditional vanilla sugar cookie experience. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive occasion or simply craving a sweet homemade treat, this recipe offers that satisfyingly melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the joy of decorating your very own cut out shapes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe starts with a handful of simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that together create the perfect soft and flavorful base. Each component contributes something special: the flour provides structure, baking powder gives a gentle lift, and the butter and sugar blend to create that tender crumb and subtle sweetness that defines a classic sugar cookie.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their shape and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough rise for a soft, light texture without puffing up too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth softness and rich flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens evenly and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and classic sugar cookie flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, helping your cookies bake uniformly. Setting this aside also streamlines the rest of the process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration step is critical—it creates a tender crumb by incorporating air, resulting in those famously soft sugar cookies you love.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The egg offers structure and moisture, while that splash of almond extract will give your cookies a unique twist that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies. You want to keep these soft and supple.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. This step is essential for firming up the dough, which not only makes rolling and cutting easier but also helps the cookies retain their beautiful shapes during baking.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This preparation ensures a smooth cookie-baking experience every time.
Step 7: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes, then carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheets. Keep the cookies spaced evenly to allow for slight spreading.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges just start to turn a lovely golden color. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This careful cooling step avoids breakage and ensures perfect texture.
How to Serve Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies become even more festive and tasty when decorated with colorful royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate also adds a delightful finishing touch that invites everyone to take a bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich hot cocoa, or a steaming mug of coffee or tea. The creamy beverages complement the cookie’s buttery notes beautifully and make every bite feel like a cozy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or holiday gatherings, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter layered with colorful napkins, or package them in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also build cookie sandwiches with flavored frosting between two shapes for an extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, they’ll maintain their softness and flavor for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough discs wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag for up to three months. Similarly, baked cookies can be frozen in sealed containers. When ready, thaw at room temperature to enjoy that freshly baked softness again.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their soft texture over time, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave can revive that freshly baked warmth and softness. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might turn chewy.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have any?
Absolutely! You can leave it out for a more classic sugar cookie flavor or substitute with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract. The almond adds a lovely hint but isn’t essential.
How thick should I roll the dough for the best texture?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thick strikes the perfect balance of softness and sturdiness, allowing the cookies to hold their shape without becoming too thin and crisp.
Can I use this dough for drop cookies instead of cut-outs?
The dough is formulated for rolled and cut cookies, so drop cookies might spread too much. If you want drop cookies, it’s better to use a recipe specifically designed for that style.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling solidifies the fats in the dough, helps prevent spreading during baking, and makes it easier to roll and cut clean shapes—crucial for those perfect soft cut-outs you want.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is a favorite because it dries hard and allows for intricate designs, but simple glaze icing or colored sugar sprinkles also work wonderfully and are much quicker for casual baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe have become a beloved classic in so many kitchens. They combine tender, rich flavor with the joy of personalized shapes and decorations, making every baking session and sharing moment extra special. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned baker, I’m confident this recipe will become one of your treasured go-tos. So grab your rolling pin and cutters, and let the cookie-making fun begin!
Print
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Featuring a subtle almond and vanilla flavor, they are easy to roll out and cut into fun shapes. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain, these cookies bake to a soft, lightly golden finish that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside to be incorporated later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is important for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a soft cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into a flat disc. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each chilled dough disc out to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean cookie shapes and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- These cookies can be decorated with royal icing or sprinkles once completely cooled.
