Description
These Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing are perfect for any occasion. The soft, buttery cookies are topped with a sweet icing that can be customized with different colors and decorations.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Decorate the cooled cookies with icing using a piping bag or spoon and let set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- This dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
