If you’ve ever dreamed of cookies that are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and just begging to be dressed up for any occasion, Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are the treat you’ve been waiting for. These are not your average sugar cookies—they hold their shape beautifully, stay lusciously soft for days, and offer just the right balance of sweetness and vanilla richness. Whether you’re decorating them for a special party or sneaking one with your afternoon tea, this recipe brings together everything you love about classic sugar cookies—only better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies plays a starring role, coming together to create that pillowy texture and sublime flavor. Simple doesn’t mean boring—just a few pantry staples and you’re on your way to sugar cookie bliss.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, for a rich base and perfectly tender cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that light, puffy texture after baking.
- Egg: Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides essential flavor depth—don’t be shy with it!
- Almond Extract (optional): Just a hint can add a bakery-style finish, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for sturdy-yet-soft cookies that keep their cutout shape.
- Baking Powder: Ensures a little lift and that signature soft bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all those lovely flavors.
How to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming softened butter with granulated sugar in a large bowl. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes, but don’t rush it—a good, fluffy base is what gives Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The mixture should be pale and almost cloud-like before you move on.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, along with vanilla extract and, if you like, a splash of almond extract. That vanilla-tinged aroma will let you know something wonderful is in the works. The mixture will look creamy and cohesive.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so no cookie is left behind!
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. You’ll want to do this in a few stages—too much at once and it’ll be hard to combine. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so as soon as it pulls together, stop!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and form each piece into a flat disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. The wait is worth it! Chilled dough rolls out smoothly and keeps your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies from spreading in the oven.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Dust a surface with flour, roll out a disc of dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and get creative with your favorite cookie cutters. Transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart so they have room to puff up perfectly.
Step 7: Bake
Slide your trays into a 350°F oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the very edges are barely golden. Resist the urge to overbake—the secret to Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies is keeping them, well, wonderfully soft! A couple of minutes cooling on the baking sheet sets them up before you carefully move them to a rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Decorating is half the fun! Royal icing is a classic pick, offering a smooth canvas for all your edible artistry. Sprinkles, sanding sugar, and drizzles of melted chocolate add color and crunch. Or go for a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you want to let the pure cookie flavor shine.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. Serve them at brunch buffets, cookie swaps, or as a sweet finish to a simple family meal—Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies play well with just about any treat platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies and tie them up with ribbon for a charming, homemade gift. Arrange them by shape or color for themed dessert spreads, or let kids decorate their own for party fun. You can even sandwich a bit of buttercream between two cookies for a delightful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to preserve the icing and prevent sticking.
Freezing
Both the raw cookie dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully! Wrap discs of unbaked dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out. Baked, undecorated cookies can be frozen in airtight containers for the same amount of time—just be gentle when stacking.
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temp, if you’d like to refresh them just a bit, place them on a baking sheet in a 275°F oven for about 3–4 minutes. Let cool before adding icing or decorations.
FAQs
Why do my Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies spread during baking?
Spreading is often caused by warm dough. Be sure to chill your dough thoroughly before rolling and baking—this helps the cookies hold their crisp edges and intricate shapes.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional; if you prefer a pure vanilla flavor or have nut allergies, leave it out and you’ll still have fantastic results.
What kind of icing works best for decorating?
Royal icing is perfect for smooth, crisp designs, while buttercream is creamy and easy for kids to spread. You can even use simple glazes or edible markers for a fun, colorful touch.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Aim for about 1/4-inch thick for the perfect balance of softness and shape retention. Thicker cookies will be softer; thinner cookies will be a bit crisper.
Can I make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! Both the dough and the baked cookies can be made and frozen ahead, making these a fantastic option for busy holiday seasons or party prep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a joyful baking project that turns out irresistibly delicious results, go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies. Whether you dress them up with fancy icing or savor them plain, one thing’s for sure—this recipe will quickly become a sweet staple in your kitchen.
Print
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24–30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, hold their shape well, and stay soft for days. Decorate them with your favorite icing and sprinkles for a festive touch!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer to baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are barely golden. Cool on sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies hold their shape well and stay soft for days.
- For best results, don’t overbake.
- Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles.
- Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *