Name: Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

If you’re looking for a delightful baking project that delivers tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to be decorated for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering that calls for a sweet treat. Their charming shapes and delicious flavor make them an absolute favorite among cookie lovers.

Picture the scene: your loved ones gathered around the kitchen, laughter filling the air as you roll out the dough and cut beautiful shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafts through the home, drawing everyone close as they await a taste of these delicious sweets. The best part? They can be easily personalized through icing, sprinkles, and other decorations, ensuring that each batch is unique. Let’s dive into why these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies should be your next baking adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Tender Texture: These cookies are soft and buttery, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can have success!
Versatile Decoration: Perfect for any occasion, you can decorate them in numerous ways or keep them simple.
Customizable Flavor: Add flavors like almond or different icing types to suit your taste.
Fun Activity: Baking and decorating can be a fun family activity, especially with kids!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on this delightful cookie-making journey, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. You will need basic baking tools such as mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, and a rolling pin. A cookie cutter set will also be essential, as this will help you achieve your desired shapes.

Remember to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Having these tools ready before you start will streamline the process and ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Begin your cookie-making adventure by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter texture in your final cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add in the large egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract if you choose to include it. Mix these ingredients together until they are fully integrated into the buttery mixture. The extracts not only enhance the cookies’ flavor but also add a delightful aroma that will have everyone yearning to devour them.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to a more consistent final product. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix as you stir. Stop as soon as a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare

To make rolling easier, divide the dough into two halves and flatten each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, preventing the dough from spreading too much during baking and ensuring beautiful shapes when cut with cookie cutters.

Step 5: Preheat and Roll Out

Once the dough is sufficiently chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the discs of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Ensure your rolling pin and surface are adequately floured to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cut and Bake

Using your chosen cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place each shape on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between them to allow for slight expansion during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. This will ensure your cookies retain their soft texture while still being beautifully pretty!

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to set before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling. Once they are cool, feel free to unleash your creativity with decoration, using icing and sprinkles to make each cookie unique and delightful!

Variations

Protein: You can add mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetables: Incorporate finely grated carrot or zucchini for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the cookie’s flavor.

Cooking Notes

If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it for an additional 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for afternoon tea or coffee, these cookies are a delightful pairing.
Serve at birthday parties or special celebrations with custom decorations.

Tips

To prevent the dough from sticking, ensure your surfaces and rolling tools are well-floured.
Always preheat your oven fully before baking for optimal results.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg

FAQs

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you prefer, you can leave it out entirely or substitute it with additional vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Are these cookies suitable for decorating?

Absolutely! These cookies hold their shape well and are perfect for icing, sprinkles, or any decorations you choose.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a batch of Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies with loved ones. This recipe not only provides a delightful cookie experience but also opens the door to creativity with decorations and flavors. We encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with your personalization, and share your favorite variations! Join the conversation—comment below with your experiences or any unique spins you’ve made on this classic treat!