Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Name: Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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These soft cut-out sugar cookies are ideal for any holiday or special occasion! With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla and almond, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Their sturdy shape makes them perfect for decorating, whether with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. A classic treat everyone will love

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes.

Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ softness.

Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Tips:

Perfect Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, especially if they’re beautifully decorated with icing or sprinkles. Use a tiered serving tray for a festive touch at events.

Make it Fun: For gatherings, set up a “decorate-your-own-cookie” station with various icings, sprinkles, and edible glitter, making it interactive and fun for guests.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them soft and fresh. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.

Freezing Dough: Prepare and freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Layer parchment between cookies and thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Related Recipes:

Cookie Butter Cookies

FAQs:

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to three days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it out.

How can I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel on top. This helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For dough, wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

Royal icing or buttercream frosting works beautifully on these cookies. You can also add sprinkles or edible glitter before baking or roll the cookies in colored sugar for a simpler option.

Conclusion:

These soft cut-out sugar cookies are a versatile treat for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations of all kinds. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. Get ready to enjoy a classic sugar cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

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