As I rolled out the dough and the sweet scent of vanilla began to fill my kitchen, I felt a rush of nostalgia. There’s something magical about baking Cut Out Sugar Cookies; they’re not just desserts, but vessels for memories and creativity. Soft and tender, this recipe allows for endless customization, making it perfect for any occasion, be it a festive gathering or a simple weeknight treat. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these delicate cookies topped with a colorful vanilla glaze, bringing joy to your family and friends. Plus, the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying laughter and love around the table. Are you ready to dive into the world of cookie decorating? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Cut Out Sugar Cookies Special?
Endless Creativity: These cookies invite you to let your imagination run wild! Customize them based on holidays, birthdays, or just because.
Soft & Tender: Enjoy a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can bake a batch of cookies without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Gifting: Dress them up with sprinkles or icing, and they’re ready to become cherished gifts for friends and family.
Versatile Fun: Whether you’re hosting a themed party or wanting a cozy night in, these cookies fit every occasion, much like our delicious Marshmallow Swirl Cookies.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• The perfect mix for soft delights!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup / 170g) – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for the best creaming.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup / 148g) – Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
- Large Eggs (2) – Binds all the ingredients together and adds moisture, crucial for achieving that soft bite.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavor; feel free to swap it with almond extract for a different twist.
- All-Purpose Flour (2¾ cups / 330g) – The main structure builder; measuring accurately is key for fluffy cookies.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Provides just the right leavening for that delightful puff.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances out the sweetness; a little goes a long way!
For the Icing
- Confectioner’s Sugar (1 cup / 113g) – The primary ingredient for the icing; sift to avoid any pesky lumps.
- Milk (1½ tablespoons) – Thins the icing for easy application; non-dairy milk works as a perfect substitute if needed.
- Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon) – Optional for a burst of flavor in your icing; enhances that sweet vanilla experience.
- Gel Food Coloring (optional) – Great for adding a personal touch to your decorations; liquid food coloring can work too!
Unleash your creativity with these Cut Out Sugar Cookies—each bite filled with nostalgia and joy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Perfectly Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze
Step 1: Dough Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Chill Dough
Shape the cookie dough into two discs about 1 inch thick. Wrap each disc in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Chilling the dough is essential for ensuring your cut out sugar cookies maintain their shape during baking and don’t spread too much.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of cookie dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing each on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for a little expansion during baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cut out sugar cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by mixing 1 cup of sifted confectioner’s sugar with 1½ tablespoons of milk and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. If you prefer colored icing, feel free to divide the mixture and add gel food coloring to your desired shade.
Step 7: Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cooled, apply a thin layer of icing on top of each cookie using a small spatula or a knife. Get creative! Add colorful sprinkles or any additional decorations while the icing is still wet. Allow the icing to set for several hours before storing your delicious cut out sugar cookies in an airtight container.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to make these cut out sugar cookies truly your own with these fun and tasty variations!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a deliciously creamy alternative.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these delightful cookies suitable for everyone.
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Flavor Twist: Try adding almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing flavor surprise!
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Festive Shapes: Use various cookie cutters like pumpkins for Halloween or snowflakes for winter holidays to celebrate the season.
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Textural Crunch: Add chopped nuts or crushed candy canes to the dough for a delightful crunch in every bite.
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Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for added warmth and a cozy flavor profile.
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Themed Icing: Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint each with different colors to match party themes or special occasions.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
Remember, experimentation is half the fun of baking! And while you’re at it, check out these delightful recipes for even more inspiration: our silky smooth Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or the irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Storage Tips for Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days to keep them soft and delicious.
Adding Freshness: To maintain moisture and freshness, place a slice of bread inside the container; the cookies will absorb moisture without getting soggy.
Freezing: You can freeze your cut out sugar cookies for up to three months. Ensure they are fully cooled before wrapping them in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight freezer bag.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving for the best taste and texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Cut Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping it into discs, wrapping them in wax paper, and refrigerating. This chilling step not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delectable. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply ice them and let the decorations set before serving. This way, you can savor the joy of homemade cookies without the last-minute rush!
What to Serve with Perfectly Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Imagine a cheerful gathering filled with laughter and sweet aromas that bring everyone together.
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Milk: The classic companion to cookies, a glass of ice-cold milk offers a refreshing contrast that enhances the sweetness.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries add a vibrant, juicy freshness that balances the richness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot cocoa; its chocolaty richness pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla glaze.
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Coffee or Tea: A brew of your choice complements the cookies perfectly, enhancing their flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
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Decorative Sprinkles: Set a sprinkle bar with colorful options for guests to personalize their cookies; it’s fun and adds to the festive atmosphere.
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Frosted Cupcakes: Offer a platter of frosted cupcakes for a dessert spread that balances the soft texture of the cookies with fluffy frosting.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent bites add a luscious, fruity contrast to the sweetness of sugar cookies, making for an elegant treat.
Let’s create a feast of flavors, where each bite evokes joy and nostalgia!
Expert Tips for Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate your dough for at least 1 hour; this helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Proper Measuring: Use a kitchen scale for the flour to ensure accurate measurements; too much can lead to dry cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined to maintain tenderness; overmixing can create tough cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper instead of greasing it; this ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Decorating While Wet: Add sprinkles or other decorations while the icing is still wet for better adherence.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
When it comes to making Cut Out Sugar Cookies, the quality of your ingredients matters! For the butter, always use unsalted butter at room temperature for optimal creaming. This ensures a rich flavor and a smooth dough. Eggs should be fresh and large; you can check freshness by placing them in a bowl of water—if they sink, they’re good to go!
How should I store these cookies, and how long will they stay fresh?
To keep your cookies deliciously soft, store them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For an extra tip, place a slice of bread in the container with your cookies; it helps maintain moisture without making them soggy!
Can I freeze these sugar cookies, and how do I do it properly?
Absolutely! You can freeze Cut Out Sugar Cookies for up to three months. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each cookie separately in plastic wrap, or layer them in an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take the cookies out and let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before indulging.
What if my cookie dough is too dry?
If you find that your dough is too dry during preparation, don’t fret! Simply add 1-2 tablespoons of milk gradually, mixing until the desired consistency is achieved. This will help ensure your cookies remain soft and tender. Remember, the dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It’s essential to be mindful of dietary considerations. This recipe contains gluten, eggs, and dairy due to all-purpose flour, eggs, and butter. If you need an alternative, consider using gluten-free flour blends and egg substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal. For dairy, non-dairy butter or milk options are excellent substitutes, making them more accessible for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Deliciously Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add to the creamed mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Shape dough into two discs, wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes.
- Bake cookies for 8-9 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Mix confectioner's sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once cooled, apply icing and add decorations while still wet.
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