Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a classic, crowd-pleasing cookie that’s irresistibly soft and perfect for decorating, you’re going to adore this Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies stay tender even after baking, making them perfect not just for cookie cutters but for frosting and sprinkles galore. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just a sweet treat, this recipe nails that perfect balance between soft texture and a sturdy surface that holds your decorations beautifully—so stick around, I’m excited to share all the details with you!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in simple, high-quality ingredients working together. Using softened butter and room temperature eggs really helps create that creamy texture, and the touch of almond extract adds a lovely depth. Here’s a quick rundown so you’re prepped before you start.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement—it keeps your dough in perfect shape for rolling.
• Baking powder: Just a small amount helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and puffy.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor — don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter: Butter at room temperature beats best and creates that silky dough texture we love.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that delicate crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
• Large egg: At room temperature for even mixing and that tender crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract: The classic flavor that makes these cookies comforting and familiar.
• Almond extract (optional): This little secret ingredient gives the cookies an outstanding flavor boost—trust me, it’s worth it!

Variations

One thing I love about this Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is just how customizable it is—you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or occasion, and I regularly experiment with a few fun variations.

• Flavor Swap: I’ve swapped out almond extract for lemon zest or a splash of orange extract to make a bright citrus version that’s just as soft and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but be cautious with rolling—you might need just a touch more flour to keep it manageable.
• Spiced Sugar Cookies: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom gives the cookies a warm, cozy vibe I absolutely adore around fall and winter.
• Vegan Twist: Replacing butter with vegan margarine and using a flax egg works well, although the texture is slightly different—still delicious!

How to Make Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures everything gets evenly distributed, which means your cookies will bake uniformly. I like to set this aside while I prep the wet ingredients so it’s ready to mix in without fuss.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture looks light and creamy—about 3 minutes. This is key for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Be patient; the fluffier, the better!

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, add your room temperature egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Beat on high again until everything is thoroughly combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to get all that tasty dough mixed evenly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. The dough should feel soft but manageable. If it’s a bit too sticky for rolling out, add a tablespoon more flour—one at a time—to avoid drying it out.

Step 5: Roll, Layer, and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two halves. Roll each out on lightly floured parchment paper until about 1/4-inch thick. Here’s a trick I discovered: dust one layer with flour, then stack the second on top before covering and refrigerating. This chilling for at least 2 hours helps the dough firm up so it won’t stick and it cuts beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

When your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Cut your cookies using your favorite cutters, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes—look for very lightly browned edges and set bottoms. Don’t skip rotating the pans if your oven runs hot spots like mine does!

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the sheet 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or even a simple glaze. I love using gel food coloring for vibrant, fun designs. If you want the icing to set more quickly, placing decorated cookies in the fridge works like a charm.

How to Serve Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top these cookies with royal icing tinted in soft pastel hues or vibrant colors, depending on the occasion, and sprinkle on festive decorations like sanding sugar, edible glitter, or tiny nonpareils. Sometimes, I use a quick glaze with lemon zest for something lighter. The fun is in the decorating—get creative and make it yours!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. For brunches or parties, I serve them alongside fresh fruit platters or mini yogurt parfaits. They also make a charming treat on a dessert table mixed with brownies and bars for variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays and celebrations, I like to arrange decorated cookies in themed shapes on tiered serving trays or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifting. You can even nestle them in decorative tins lined with tissue paper—presentation makes the cookie feel extra special, especially if you’re sharing them with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover plain or iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I’ll refrigerate them for up to 10 days—just bring them to room temp before serving to soften any chill-induced firmness.

Freezing

I’ve found that this Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully! Once baked and cooled completely (without icing), I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When I want cookies, I thaw them at room temperature and decorate fresh. You can also freeze decorated cookies if the icing has fully set.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy cookies warm, popping them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes works wonders—just keep an eye so they don’t dry out. For iced cookies, a quick microwave zap (10-15 seconds) softens them up nicely without melting the icing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for any time I want a classic cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and perfect for decorating. I remember the first time I tried recipes that ended up too hard or crumbly—and it wasn’t until I landed on this formula that I finally felt confident. You’ll enjoy making these because they’re straightforward yet produce beautiful, delicious results every time. So grab your rolling pin, dust off your favorite cookie cutters, and enjoy a little sweet bake that’s bound to bring smiles!

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