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
Scale
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.
