Fluffy Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe That Never Fail

Sweet memories of childhood baking come flooding back with this delightful soft cutout sugar cookies recipe that melts in your mouth.

Every baker dreams of creating those perfect, tender cookies that bring joy to the table.

These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.

The secret lies in a delicate balance of ingredients that create a soft, pillowy base perfect for decorating.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these cookies a true celebration of simple baking magic.

Sprinkle some love and creativity, and watch these cookies become the star of your next gathering.

Grab your apron and let’s turn an ordinary day into a sweet memory.

What’s Inside Classic Soft Sugar Cookies

• Flour: The main structure and base of the sugar cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor to the cookies.
• Almond Extract: Provides a subtle, nutty background flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Corn Syrup, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, spreadable icing for decorating the cookies.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for adding color to the icing.

Making Classic Soft Sugar Cookies Easily

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

This creates the foundation for your dreamy cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla and almond extracts for that irresistible flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

Mix gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix – you want tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 4: Prepare for Chilling

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

On a surface sprinkled with flour, roll out each portion using parchment paper.

Aim for a thin, even layer about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the rolled dough completely in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.

This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop deeper flavors.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Cutouts

Remove chilled dough and cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters.

Arrange the cutouts 2-3 inches apart on lined baking sheets to ensure even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Create Magical Icing

In a bowl, blend powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Add food coloring if you want to create a colorful masterpiece.

Decorate your cooled cookies with this delightful glaze.

Tips for Perfect Classic Soft Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling and cutting easier without adding too much extra flour.
• Use minimal flour when rolling to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.
• Swap almond extract with other flavors like lemon or orange for unique taste variations.
• Use rolling pin guide rings or wooden dowels to ensure even cookie thickness for consistent baking.
• Remove cookies from oven when edges are just slightly golden to maintain a soft, tender texture.

Creative Twists for Soft Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk in icing for dairy-free option.
• Keto-Friendly Sugar Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and add cream cheese for lower-carb version.
• Citrus Infused Cookies: Add lemon or orange zest to dough and replace almond extract with corresponding citrus extract for bright flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Classic Soft Sugar Cookies

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange sugar cookies on a colorful tiered stand for birthdays, holidays, or afternoon tea gatherings.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane bags with ribbons, perfect for holiday gifts or thank-you presents for teachers and neighbors.
• Dessert Decoration Station: Create a fun cookie decorating activity by setting out different colored icings, sprinkles, and edible glitters for kids and adults to personalize their treats.
• Seasonal Theme Display: Match cookie shapes and icing colors to specific celebrations like Christmas trees, Halloween pumpkins, or Valentine's hearts for themed events.

Storing Classic Soft Sugar Cookies Right

• – Refrigerate Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• – Freeze Place cooled, unfrosted cookies in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• – Prevent Moisture Keep cookies crisp by storing with a slice of bread in the container, which helps maintain ideal humidity levels.
• – Icing Care If decorated with icing, let frosting completely set before stacking to avoid smudging or damaging delicate designs.

FAQs

• Why should I chill the sugar cookie dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking, creates a more consistent texture, and allows flavors to develop. It also makes the dough easier to handle and cut into shapes.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. This makes the cookie-making process more convenient and allows for better planning.

• How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too hard?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough, and be careful not to overbake. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are just lightly golden for a soft, tender texture.

Classic Soft Sugar Cookies Standout Qualities

• Craft Simple Shapes: Perfect for baking with kids, these sugar cookies invite creativity as you cut fun designs together, making it a delightful family activity that sparks joy and memories.
• Customize with Flair: Decorate these versatile cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, or personalized designs, transforming them into eye-catching treats for parties, holidays, or special celebrations.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for novice bakers, offering a foolproof method to create delicious homemade cookies without complicated skills.
• Prepare Ahead Convenience: Chill the dough overnight, allowing flexible prep time that fits busy schedules and lets you plan ahead for spontaneous baking moments or unexpected gatherings.

Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet, buttery Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies invite bakers into a world of delightful holiday memories. Crisp edges, tender centers, and delicate royal icing create a nostalgic treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) salted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Icing Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, then blend in vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly.
3. Slowly fold flour mixture into butter base, gently mixing until a cohesive, soft dough develops without overmixing.
4. Separate dough into two equal portions. Carefully roll each section on floured parchment paper, maintaining a consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Encase rolled dough in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
6. Remove chilled dough and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange cutouts 2-3 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges turn delicately golden. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
8. Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable. Optional: Add food coloring for decorative touch.

Notes

• Swap extracts for a flavor twist by using different combinations like lemon, orange, or coconut to customize the cookie profile.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture, preventing dense or tough results.
• Prevent spreading by chilling dough thoroughly and using parchment paper, which helps maintain precise cookie shapes during baking.
• roll thinner for crisp cookies or thicker for softer, more cake-like texture without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg