Description

Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a quintessential holiday classic, blending a tender crumb with the nostalgic flavors of butter and vanilla. These thick, bakery-style cookies are perfect for decorating, holding their shape through baking, and serving as a canvas for your creative designs.

Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with icing and sprinkles, these cookies are a delight to make and share. They’re ideal for festive gatherings, baking with kids, or gifting to loved ones. The perfect balance of sweetness and softness makes them irresistible and ensures they’ll become a staple in your holiday traditions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, or substitute with more vanilla)

For the Icing (Optional):

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3–4 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring, optional

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Instructions

Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet until a soft dough forms.
Roll and Chill: Divide dough into two portions, rolling each to ¼-inch thickness between parchment paper. Cover and chill for at least 1-2 hours.
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
Cut and Bake: Cut chilled dough into shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges just start to brown. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Decorate (Optional): For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk or sugar. Color as desired with gel food coloring. Spread or pipe onto cookies and let set for 30 minutes to a few hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes