Description
Soft, buttery, and perfectly shaped every time, these Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are ideal for decorating and delicious plain. They hold their shape in the oven, don’t require chilling, and are a joy to bake and decorate.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions and roll out one at a time on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain.
Notes
Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
Swap some flour for cocoa powder to make chocolate sugar cookies.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
They taste great plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze undecorated cookies between layers of parchment and thaw before decorating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
