Bring the joy of the holidays into your kitchen with these Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies. They’re thick, perfectly soft, and just sweet enough, making them the ideal canvas for festive decorations. Whether you’re baking with kids or crafting edible art, these cookies are a holiday staple. The dough is simple to prepare and easy to roll out, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies that hold their form while baking. From Christmas trees to hearts, this recipe adapts to every occasion. Top them with a shiny icing glaze or colorful sprinkles for an extra-special touch.
Full Recipe:
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 (optional, or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for subtle flavor)
Optional Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each to ¼-inch thickness between floured parchment paper or silicone mats. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Use cookie cutters to shape the chilled dough, re-chilling scraps if necessary.
- Place the shapes 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For icing, combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with additional milk or sugar as needed. Use food coloring if desired and decorate the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set before storing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 1-2 hours | Baking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies | Calories per cookie: 94 kcal
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a cherished addition to any festive season. Their ability to balance buttery richness with a subtle sweetness makes them a timeless classic, perfect for holiday baking. These cookies stand out not only for their taste but also for their versatility, offering a blank canvas for creative decoration. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion, these cookies always bring joy.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
The hallmark of a great sugar cookie lies in its texture. These cookies are soft and chewy, with just the right amount of firmness to hold their shape during baking. Unlike thinner, crispier versions, these cookies are rolled to a thickness of ¼ inch, creating a bakery-style treat that feels indulgent with every bite. The addition of vanilla and almond extracts further enhances their flavor, giving them a unique aroma and taste that lingers on the palate.
What truly elevates this recipe is its balance of sweetness. These cookies are not overly sweet, allowing the icing and decorations to shine without overwhelming the senses. This makes them a favorite among kids and adults alike, as they cater to a wide range of taste preferences.
The Joy of Decorating
One of the most delightful aspects of these cookies is the decorating process. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, decorating sugar cookies can be a fun and creative activity. From simple dustings of colored sugar to elaborate designs with royal icing, there’s no limit to what you can create.
For those who enjoy baking with kids, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Children can use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and experiment with colorful icing and sprinkles. This not only encourages creativity but also creates lasting memories.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Achieving the perfect cut-out sugar cookies requires a few key considerations:
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough before cutting out shapes is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking. This ensures that your cookies retain their defined edges and decorative shapes.
- Rolling the Dough Evenly: For uniform baking, it’s important to roll the dough evenly. Using rolling pin guides or dowels can help achieve a consistent ¼-inch thickness.
- Proper Storage: To maintain their softness, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re planning to make them ahead of time, freezing the dough or baked cookies without decorations is a great option.
Customization Options
One of the reasons these cookies are so beloved is their adaptability. Here are some ways you can customize them:
- Flavors: While vanilla and almond extracts are classic, you can experiment with lemon, orange, or peppermint extracts for a unique twist.
- Shapes: Themed cookie cutters can turn these cookies into stars, hearts, or snowflakes, making them suitable for any occasion.
- Icing and Decorations: Use royal icing for intricate designs, or opt for buttercream frosting for a richer taste. Sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy pieces add extra flair.
Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Staple
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies have become synonymous with the holiday season. Their nostalgic appeal lies in their simplicity and the sense of togetherness they inspire. Many families have traditions of baking and decorating these cookies together, passing down recipes and techniques through generations.
Moreover, these cookies make excellent gifts. Packaged in decorative tins or wrapped in cellophane, they are a thoughtful and personal way to spread holiday cheer. Their long shelf life also makes them ideal for shipping to loved ones far away.
Pairing Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages. A mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a frothy latte complements their buttery flavor and sweetness. For a festive touch, serve them with peppermint hot cocoa or eggnog.
Conclusion:
Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert they are a celebration of creativity, family traditions, and the joy of the holiday season. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious taste make them a must-have for your festive table. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to delight.
Make a batch this holiday season and experience the magic of baking a treat that brings people together. With their timeless appeal and endless customization options, Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household for years to come.
