Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery, and deliciously sweet, these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. With a tender texture and a delightful flavor enhanced by vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. This recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike who want to create beautiful, custom cookies without the hassle.

Ingredients Needed

To make these soft cut out sugar cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor)

For the Icing (Optional):

  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring, optional
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Equipment You Will Need

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack
  • Piping bags and tips (for decorating, optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Dough: Mixing and Rolling

  1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Chilling the Dough: Tips for Perfect Texture

  1. Divide and Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion on a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  2. Chill the Dough: Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Cutting Out the Cookies: Shapes and Tips

  1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Cut the Cookies: Remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches between each cookie.

Baking to Perfection: How to Achieve the Perfect Golden Cookie

  1. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.
  2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Cookies: Icing Techniques and Ideas

  1. Prepare the Icing (Optional): In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thick but still spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  2. Color and Decorate: Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring if desired. Use piping bags to pipe or spread the icing onto the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for a few hours before packaging or serving.
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  2. Skipping the Chill Step: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of your cookies during baking. Don’t skip this step!
  3. Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn light golden brown to ensure they stay soft.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

  • Flavor Variations: Substitute the almond extract with lemon, orange, or peppermint extract for a different twist.
  • Add-Ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Festive Shapes: Use themed cookie cutters (like hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween) to make the cookies suitable for any occasion.
  • Gift Packaging: Arrange the cookies in a decorative box or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
  • Cookie Platter: Create an eye-catching display by arranging the cookies on a large platter, decorated with seasonal accents like pinecones or flower petals.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

To keep your sugar cookies fresh and delicious:

  • Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Freezer: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could happen if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if the oven temperature was too low. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.

How do I achieve a glossy icing finish?
Adding corn syrup to the icing helps give it a shiny finish. Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature to maintain its glossy appearance.

Conclusion

These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make and decorate! Perfect for any celebration or just a cozy day at home, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe, share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delightful recipes!

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Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

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Soft, buttery, and easy to make – try our Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe for a delicious treat perfect for any occasion!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a more subtle flavor)

For the Icing (Optional):

  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 34 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring, optional

Instructions

Preparing the Dough: Mixing and Rolling

  1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Chilling the Dough: Tips for Perfect Texture

  1. Divide and Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion on a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  2. Chill the Dough: Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.

Cutting Out the Cookies: Shapes and Tips

  1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Cut the Cookies: Remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2-3 inches between each cookie.

Baking to Perfection: How to Achieve the Perfect Golden Cookie

  1. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.
  2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Cookies: Icing Techniques and Ideas

  1. Prepare the Icing (Optional): In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thick but still spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  2. Color and Decorate: Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring if desired. Use piping bags to pipe or spread the icing onto the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for a few hours before packaging or serving.

Notes

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Festive Shapes: Use themed cookie cutters (like hearts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkins for Halloween) to make the cookies suitable for any occasion.
  • Gift Packaging: Arrange the cookies in a decorative box or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
  • Cookie Platter: Create an eye-catching display by arranging the cookies on a large platter, decorated with seasonal accents like pinecones or flower petals
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert

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