Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the joy of baking cookies from scratch — especially when they’re as delightful and fun to decorate as these. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe that’s soft, just sweet enough, and rolls out like a dream. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday party, a special occasion, or just a weekend baking session, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for those perfectly shaped, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe uses simple ingredients that pack a lot of punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a role, whether it’s helping the dough hold together or giving your cookies that irresistible softness.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough. Make sure to spoon and level for accuracy so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.
• Baking powder: Just a pinch helps give the cookies a gentle lift without puffing them up too much, keeping shapes crisp.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key here — this ensures the dough comes together smoothly without being greasy.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with that classic sugar cookie crunch on the edges while keeping the centers soft.
• Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough for easy handling.
• Pure vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, inviting flavor we all know and love in sugar cookies.
• Almond extract (optional): Just a touch takes these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary — seriously, give it a try if you haven’t yet!

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to play with this recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s so versatile, you can easily adjust the flavors or decorating styles to make it feel totally unique while keeping the delightful cookie texture.

• Extract Variations: I sometimes swap the almond extract for lemon or peppermint, depending on the time of year — and each brings a fresh twist I adore.
• Spiced Cookies: Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon turns these into perfect fall treats — trust me, guests always ask for seconds.
• Double the Batch: This recipe scales well, just divide dough into smaller portions for easier chilling and rolling, so you’re not overwhelmed.
• Decorating Fun: Try royal icing for silky-smooth surfaces or buttercream if you want a richer, creamier texture to spread on.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

First up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting this mixture aside lets the flavors marry and means you’re ready to mix the wet ingredients without delay. A quick heads up: measuring your flour correctly by spooning into your cup and leveling with a knife makes a world of difference in cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on high speed for about three minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — this little step is the secret behind tender, airy cookies. Then, add in your egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if you’re using it) and beat again until combined. Don’t rush this part; scraping down the bowl a couple of times ensures everything gets mixed evenly.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredients. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels overly sticky, gently mix in an extra tablespoon of flour until ready for rolling. This balance is key — dough too soft will be tough to roll and cut.

Step 4: Chill in Two Portions

Divide your dough in half and roll each portion out between lightly floured parchment sheets or silicone mats to about 1/4-inch thickness — I find this easier than rolling on a bare surface and keeps cleanup minimal. Stack one portion over the other, cover tightly, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days). Chilling makes rolling and cutting a breeze and helps your cookies keep their shapes when baked.

Step 5: Cut and Bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Gently separate the dough layers and start cutting out your favorite shapes. Don’t worry if you have scraps — I always reroll mine to maximize every bit of dough. Arrange cut cookies with space between them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 11-12 minutes, watching for very light browning at the edges. Baking time might vary a little with your oven, so keep an eye out to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. I personally decorate mine with royal icing because it dries beautifully hard — perfect for gifting. But feel free to get creative with glazed or buttercream toppings, coloring your icing with gel food colors for festive fun!

How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with assorted sprinkles and a smooth royal icing finish — it lets the cookie shapes steal the show. When I’m feeling fancy, I add delicate edible glitter or pearl dragees for a touch of sparkle that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

These cookies go hand-in-hand with a cup of cozy hot cocoa or a mug of spiced chai tea — perfect for chilly afternoons or festive gatherings. I’ve also paired them with fresh fruit platters, which balance their sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these cookies on tiered stands or wrapping stacks in cellophane tied with twine for charming gifts. Seasonal cookie cutters add whimsy—think snowflakes for winter or flowers in spring—making your cookie trays look like little works of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment to keep the icing intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

Frozen cookies are a lifesaver! Whether plain or decorated, these sugar cookies freeze well for up to three months. Just be sure the icing is fully set before freezing, and separate layers with parchment paper to avoid clumping. You can even freeze the dough before baking, which means you can have fresh cookies anytime you want — just thaw, roll, cut, and bake.

Reheating

If you want to warm your cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes — it gently refreshes them without melting the icing. Microwave reheating tends to soften the cookies too much, so the oven is my preferred method to keep that perfect texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, forgiving, and actually fun to make. I love the way these cookies come out soft but hold their shape perfectly, making decorating time a true joy. Next time you want a comforting baking project (or the perfect festive treat), give it a shot — I promise you’ll enjoy the process and the delicious results just as much as I do.

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