If there’s one recipe that instantly brings a sense of celebration and childhood joy into my kitchen, it’s Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing. These delightful cookies have the perfect balance of buttery richness and tender sweetness, ready to be customized with whimsical shapes and a glossy swirl of vanilla-scented icing. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies let your creativity shine and always spark a smile.

Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes these Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing so dreamy: a handful of classic baking staples, each playing a starring role in flavor and texture! Every ingredient is carefully chosen to bring you cookies that hold their shape while remaining melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the icing is simple yet endlessly customizable.

All-purpose flour: The essential base gives these cookies their shape and structure for perfect cut-outs every time.
Baking powder: This provides a touch of lift so the cookies are tender rather than dense.
Salt: Just a bit elevates every flavor, highlighting both vanilla and buttery notes.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creamy and rich, it’s key for a tender crumb and that classic homemade cookie taste.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the tender texture we all crave in sugar cookies.
Large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to that soft, chewy bite.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma throughout both the cookies and icing.
Almond extract (optional): Just a hint gives the dough a subtle, nostalgic bakery quality.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly for a shiny icing that dries with a sweet, delicate crunch.
Milk: Thins the icing to just the right consistency for spreading or piping.
Food coloring (optional): For adding vibrant, playful hues that make decorating extra fun.

How to Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This quick step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so your cookies bake up consistent in both flavor and texture every single time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is the key to tender cookies with a hint of airiness! Don’t rush: creaming properly creates just the right cookie texture and helps them maintain their cut-out shapes.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavors

Crack in one large egg, then add vanilla and — if you love it — a splash of almond extract. Beat these together until fully combined, letting those cozy, nostalgic bakery aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low (or stirring by hand) just until the dough forms. Over-mixing can make the cookies less tender, so stop as soon as everything is combined and smooth.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two portions, flatten them into discs, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour — this crucial step keeps cookies from spreading in the oven and makes the dough super easy to roll out and cut!

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Grab your favorite cookie cutters (stars, hearts, trees — get creative!) and press out shapes. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, giving each cookie a bit of space.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slip trays into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden hue. The cookies should be set but not browned. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk and a little vanilla. The icing should be thick but easily spreadable; adjust the milk as needed. Stir in food coloring if you want a colorful decorating palette!

Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy!

Once cookies are cool, have fun decorating! Pipe or spoon on the icing, add sprinkles, or get artsy with designs. Let the icing set until glossy and firm before serving — that’s when Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing truly shine.

How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing

Garnishes

For a burst of holiday magic or everyday cheer, dust cookies with sparkling sugar, add colorful sprinkles, or top with edible glitter just after icing. These little additions make each cookie feel festive and irresistibly eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing alongside mugs of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or cold milk for a cozy treat. They’re also perfect with a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream, especially when your cookies are fresh and just-set.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in clear gift bags with matching ribbon for thoughtful party favors, or arrange them on a tiered platter for a stunning cookie table centerpiece. You can even write names with icing for personalized place cards at a festive gathering — talk about a sweet surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated and set, store your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the cookies with parchment to keep the icing pristine, and enjoy them for up to five days — if they last that long!

Freezing

This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. You can freeze both unbaked dough (well-wrapped) and baked, undecorated cookies for up to three months. Thaw dough overnight in the fridge, or bring cookies to room temperature before adding icing and decorating.

Reheating

No need to reheat these cookies, but if you love that freshly-baked warmth, pop a plain, un-iced cookie in a low oven for a minute or two. For iced cookies, keep them at room temperature and enjoy as is — their soft, chewy bite and sweet glaze are perfect from the start.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, wrap well, and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Chilled dough is easier to roll and gives you flexibility when making Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing for any occasion.

What’s the secret to cookies that hold their shape?

Chilling the dough is truly the game-changer here. Cold dough prevents spreading in the oven, so your stars, bells, and trees all come out with clean, crisp edges. Don’t skip this step!

Do I have to use almond extract?

Nope, almond extract is entirely optional! It adds a nostalgic note, but pure vanilla is just as delicious. Customize the flavor to suit your taste or based on what you have in the pantry.

How do I get vibrant icing colors?

Use gel food coloring for bold, vibrant shades that won’t thin out your icing. Start with a dot and mix in more as needed. If liquid coloring is all you have, just use less milk in your recipe to balance the consistency.

Can kids help decorate?

Yes! In fact, decorating Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing is a fantastic family activity. Set up bowls of icing and sprinkles, then let everyone unleash their creativity. It’s messy, joyful, and always yields the happiest cookies!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing. Each cookie is a delicious little canvas, ready for your imagination. Whether you’re making memories with family or simply treating yourself, I can’t recommend this recipe enough — grab some cookie cutters and start creating!