Name: Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 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; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); Flour for rolling

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If there’s one recipe that instantly brings joy, nostalgia, and all the promise of a sweet celebration, it’s the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe. These buttery, soft-yet-crisp cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect canvases for festive decorating—whether you’re prepping for the holidays, a birthday party, or just a cozy weekend project. Rich with vanilla and a hint of almond, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. No matter your decorating skills, these sugar cookies transform any occasion into a delicious, edible work of art!

Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe shine is its simple ingredient list—each staple brings something special to the table. It’s the combination of classic pantry finds and just a couple delicious extras that promise cookies with delightful flavor, structure, and tenderness.

All-purpose flour: Forms the structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape and have the perfect crumb.
Baking powder: Adds just the right bit of lift for a soft bite without excess puffiness.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing out the full flavor of the dough.
Unsalted butter, softened: Key to that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s room temperature for even mixing.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie and gives the crisp edges everyone craves.
Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic sugar cookie aroma—absolutely essential for flavor!
Almond extract (optional): For a subtle, nutty twist that elevates these cookies to bakery status.
Extra flour for rolling: Prevents sticking when you’re shaping and cutting out the dough.

How to Make Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures the leavening agent and salt get evenly distributed so every cookie bakes up just right—tender, but not crumbly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, taking about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the sugar aerates the butter, laying the foundation for that light, tender bite that makes this the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if you’re using it) and beat until everything is smooth and fully combined. These ingredients add moisture, flavor, and color, transforming your mixture into a rich, tempting cookie dough base.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. It’s best to add a little at a time, using low speed or a spatula, so the dough comes together evenly—no overmixing! You’re looking for a soft, smooth, slightly thick dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Divide and Chill the Dough

Cut the dough into two pieces and shape each into a flat disk. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling for at least 1 hour is crucial—this relaxes the dough, makes it easier to roll, and helps the cookies keep their adorable shapes without spreading in the oven.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll one disk at a time on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness—perfect for sturdy, yet tender cookies. Use your favorite cookie cutters, then transfer the shapes to your prepared pans, leaving a bit of space in between. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. Don’t wait for deep browning; the centers should stay pale for the best texture.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re at room temperature, let your creativity run wild! This is where the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe really shines—top with royal icing, sprinkles, or leave them gloriously plain for a buttery treat.

How to Serve Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

The fun of this recipe is in the finishing touches—think pastel royal icing, classic buttercream flooding, a shiny sprinkle of sanding sugar, or a dusting of edible glitter. Whether you go for whimsical or elegant, these cookies are a blank slate ready for your creativity.

Side Dishes

While these sugar cookies can absolutely steal the show on their own, they pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa, vanilla-spiked lattes, or a big pitcher of cold milk. For celebrations, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of fluffy whipped cream for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high for a DIY cookie tower centerpiece, string them with ribbon for edible ornaments, or package small bundles in clear bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe adapts to any theme, just as charming dressed up for holidays as they are for a casual family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer parchment or wax paper between each row to preserve both the icing and the crisp edges. They stay fresh and flavorful, so you can snack on them all week long!

Freezing

The dough and baked cookies are both freezer-friendly. Wrap unbaked dough disks tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out. Baked, undecorated cookies can be frozen for 1 month. Always let them cool completely first, and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their signature crunch after storage, revive them by placing them in a 300°F oven for 2 minutes. Let cool before eating or decorating, and they’ll taste freshly baked again!

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough for the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe?

Chilling is key to preventing the cookies from spreading in the oven, and it also helps the flavors develop. Cold dough is easier to roll and yields cleaner shapes every time.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—just reduce the added salt by half to avoid over-seasoning the cookies.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can use royal icing for detailed designs, buttercream for a softer touch, or keep it simple with colored sugars. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating for the best results.

How thick should I roll the dough?

For the perfect balance between sturdy edges and tender centers, aim for about 1/4-inch thickness. Too thin and they’ll crisp up too much; too thick and they may not bake evenly.

Are there any flavor variations for the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap in lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a hint of spice. The base dough is very forgiving and fun to personalize.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that promises delicious results, endless decorating possibilities, and a tradition everyone can look forward to, you simply must try the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe. With a buttery base and just the right amount of sweetness, every batch is a canvas for your creativity and a ticket to happy gatherings. Your family and friends will thank you for making these cookies a part of their sweetest memories!

Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies (depending on size) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These cut out sugar cookies are a must-have for any holiday baking extravaganza. With a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and a hint of almond, these cookies are ideal for decorating with the kids or gifting to friends. Follow this simple recipe for the best cut out sugar cookies that will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Additional:

Flour for rolling

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix in dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Divide, flatten, wrap, and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat and Roll: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough, cut shapes, and transfer to baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.