If there’s one recipe that guarantees smiles—whether it’s for holiday cookie platters, birthday parties, or just a spontaneous weekend treat—it’s Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies. These are irresistibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. They keep their whimsical shapes perfectly, and thanks to a foolproof dough, you’ll never have to worry about sad, spread-out cookies again. Whether you’re a decorating pro or just love a simple dusting of sugar, these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies will quickly become part of your family’s treasured baking traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies comes from how a few classic ingredients blend together to create something magical. Each one does a little heavy lifting—making sure the cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and beautifully golden every single time.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives richness, a tender crumb, and that classic, buttery sugar cookie flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for a cohesive, roll-able dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings warmth and aroma—don’t skip this for the ultimate sugar cookie taste.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle, bakery-style sophistication that’s totally worth including if you love a nutty undertone.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): Forms the sturdy base for cut-out shapes, so your cookies won’t lose their fun designs.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lifts the dough just enough, helping the cookies stay light without puffing up too much.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
How to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by adding your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, cream them together until the mixture turns pale, light, and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds air to the dough, laying the foundation for that signature soft texture in Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it for that extra dreamy flavor). Mix until everything is well combined, making sure to scrape down the sides to get any sneaky streaks of butter incorporated. This ensures even flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give them a quick, thorough mix so the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies bake up uniformly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Go slow here—a gentle hand means a perfectly soft, cohesive dough. Mix just until everything comes together in a soft ball; overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or, for the most flavor and easy rolling, up to overnight. This step is key: chilled dough is much easier to handle and holds its shape beautifully, so your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies come out picture-perfect.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Out the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness. Get creative with your favorite cookie cutters! Place the shapes about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheets for even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheets in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye after the 8-minute mark. You want the edges to be just set and the tops no longer glossy, but not browned. This is what keeps your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies soft and tender with just a hint of chew.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes (they’re still gently finishing up as they cool down), then transfer to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cooled, grab your icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar and let your creativity take over!
How to Serve Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are a blank canvas! Top with royal icing, classic buttercream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or colorful sprinkles. For a pop of sparkle, try sanding sugar or edible glitter—kids and adults alike will adore the results. Setting up a mini decorating station can be a fun activity for gatherings, too!
Side Dishes
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread, consider fresh berries or a bowl of fruit salad to balance the sweetness. For holiday events, serve alongside fudge, peppermint bark, or spiced nuts for a festive platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable homemade gifts. Arrange them on a decorative tray with assorted cookie shapes and colors for a party centerpiece. Or, create individual cookie decorating kits with a few cookies, small bags of colored icing, and sprinkles—perfect for gifting or party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and delicious for up to 5 days, making them great for advance baking before busy holidays or events.
Freezing
You can freeze both baked cookies and raw dough. For baked cookies, let them cool, then stack with parchment paper between each layer in an airtight freezer container. For dough, wrap your disks tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. This makes last-minute cookie trays effortlessly simple!
Reheating
If you love a warm cookie, pop one or two in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds. This little trick revives that just-baked softness and makes the flavor come alive all over again—especially if you’re serving to guests.
FAQs
What makes Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of plenty of softened butter, the right ratio of flour, and creaming the butter and sugar for a few minutes creates air in the dough, all of which keeps these cookies wonderfully soft and almost cake-like in texture.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or even frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it out for easy cutting.
What kind of icing works best for decorating Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies?
Royal icing is a classic choice for neat outlines and detailed designs, while buttercream is perfect for kids or a more casual, creamy finish. Even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds a lovely touch.
Why do my cookies spread or lose their shape?
The number one culprit is skipping the chilling step—chilling solidifies the butter and helps the cookies keep their crisp edges during baking. Also, make sure not to overwork the dough when combining the ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes, you can easily double (or halve) these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies. Just make sure to divide the dough into manageable portions for chilling and rolling, and bake in batches for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers delicious results every single time, look no further than these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies. With simple steps and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a true kitchen staple you’ll want to bake for every special occasion—and maybe a few afternoons just because. Give them a try and make sweet memories, one soft, buttery bite at a time!
Print
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are easy to make and a joy to decorate.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and tops look dry but not browned.
- Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading.
- Great for decorating with royal icing or buttercream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
