Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter
softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract)
(or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor
- 3 cups powdered sugar
sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
optional
Directions
- 1
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
- 2
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing to combine. Add vanilla extract and almond extract; mix until incorporated.
- 3
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture; mix on low until a soft dough forms.
- 4
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Place each portion on a piece of lightly-floured parchment paper or a lightly-floured silicone mat. With a lightly-floured rolling pin, roll the dough to about ¼ -inch thickness. Use more flour if the dough seems sticky.
- 5
Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight).
- 6
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- 7
Carefully remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Arrange the shapes about 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 8
You can re-roll the dough scraps to cut out additional cookies, but you will need to chill the cut-out dough on the baking sheets in the fridge or freezer for at least 10 minutes before baking. This will give the dough a chance to firm up again so that the cookies don’t spread in the oven.
- 9
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or just until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- 10
Combine confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl and stir until combined. If icing is too thick, add more milk, about a teaspoon at a time, until the icing is thick but spreadable. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. Use gel food coloring to tint the frosting, if desired. Pipe or spread onto the cooled cookies and then allow the icing to firm up and set before packaging (this may take a couple of hours).
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
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About this Recipe
Searching for that perfect soft, thick sugar cookie that holds its shape and is a dream to decorate? Look no further—this recipe delivers irresistible bakery-style treats right in your own kitchen. These easy cut-out cookies are guaranteed to become your go-to for any occasion.
What sets these cookies apart is their incredible soft and thick texture, achieved through a balanced ratio of butter, sugar, and flour, combined with the gentle lift from baking powder. Using both vanilla and a hint of almond extract creates a rich, classic flavor profile that’s simply unmatched, giving them that signature bakery taste.
You can expect a truly satisfying cookie experience with these soft cut-out sugar cookies. Each bite offers a tender, yielding crumb and a buttery sweetness, beautifully complemented by the subtle depth of vanilla and almond. These cookies bake up thick and perfectly golden, creating a sturdy yet delicious canvas for any icing or intricate decoration you choose to add. The dough itself is wonderfully cooperative for rolling and cutting shapes, making the entire process enjoyable and accessible, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out. It's a classic, comforting taste that brings joy and nostalgia to any occasion, delivering that professional bakery quality right from your home oven.
While the classic vanilla and almond flavor combination is divine, you can easily adjust the almond extract to your preference, reducing it to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle note, or omitting it entirely. Get creative with your decorating using gel food coloring to tint the icing, creating vibrant designs for any holiday or theme.
These soft cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat with a cup of coffee or milk. Present them beautifully decorated on a platter to truly impress friends and family.