Description
Classic cut-out sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. These easy-to-make cookies hold their shape well, making them ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats. With a subtle hint of vanilla and almond extract, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature by the time your cookies are ready to bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir them well to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly, then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, helping the cookies to be tender.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla and almond extracts to enhance the flavor, mixing until combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture while mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. This firms the dough and prevents spreading during baking.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it soften slightly at room temperature until workable. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cut-out cookies about 2 inches apart on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or decorating as desired. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Notes
- For best results, do not skip the chilling step as it helps maintain the cookie shapes during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Decorate cookies after they are completely cooled to avoid smudging or melting of icing.
- You can customize these cookies with different flavors by substituting almond extract with other extracts such as lemon or peppermint.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
