Perfect cut-out sugar cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them plain, or you can decorate them to fit a holiday or celebration. Making these cookies is a fun activity for the whole family. They are great for kids to help with, as rolling dough and using cookie cutters can be a lot of fun. Once baked, they can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later. With their simple ingredients, these cookies are a joy to make and share.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for perfect cut-out sugar cookies is easy to follow and yields delicious results. They are versatile, allowing you to customize them for any event. Whether you are making them for Christmas, birthdays, or just because, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they are great for decorating. You can use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. This recipe is also simple enough for beginner bakers and can be a wonderful introduction to baking. You’ll find that making these cookies will bring smiles to everyone who eats them.
How to Make Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the cream until the dough is soft.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
How to Serve Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Serve these cookies plain or decorate them with icing and sprinkles. You can also add different toppings like colored sugar or edible glitter for fun. They make a great snack for kids and adults alike.
How to Store Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
Tips to Make Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with. Use different cookie cutters to create shapes that match your theme. Don’t overbake the cookies; remove them as soon as they turn golden.
Variations
You can add different flavors like lemon or orange zest to change the taste. You can also substitute some flour for cocoa powder to create chocolate sugar cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the taste and texture may vary slightly.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still have a soft center.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the dough is too warm. Ensure the dough is chilled before baking.
5. Can I decorate these cookies after they cool?
Yes, let the cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or other toppings.
Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Soft, sweet sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion and great for decorating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the cream until the dough is soft.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
- Let cool on wire racks.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out for better handling. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg







