Introduction
Nothing beats the charm of soft and buttery cut-out sugar cookies. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. With a tender crumb, a hint of vanilla, and the perfect balance of buttery sweetness, they are ideal for decorating or enjoying as-is.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make the best sugar cookies, including tips for rolling, cutting, baking, and decorating. Get ready to bake up a batch of beautifully shaped, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies stay soft even after baking, thanks to the ideal balance of butter and sugar.
- Holds Its Shape: The dough is easy to work with, ensuring your cut-out shapes don’t spread in the oven.
- Customizable: Add different flavors, decorate with icing, or sprinkle with sugar for variety.
- Great for Any Occasion: From Christmas to birthdays, these cookies make for a fun and creative baking project.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best sugar cookies:
- 🧈 Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
- 🍚 Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and helps with the texture.
- 🥚 Large Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients together.
- 🌿 Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 🌾 All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – The main structure of the cookies.
- 🥄 Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- 🧂 Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 🥛 Milk (1 tbsp, optional) – Helps make the dough more pliable if needed.
Necessary Tools
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- A mixing bowl and electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A rolling pin
- Cookie cutters in fun shapes
- A baking sheet and parchment paper
- A cooling rack
- A silicone baking mat (optional, but helps prevent sticking)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Almond Extract: Swap half of the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra warmth and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tbsp of milk.
- Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (this prevents spreading).
- Roll and Cut – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Bake – Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Decorate – Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or sugar.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough to make rolling and cutting easier.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look set but not browned; they continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even results.
Serving Suggestions
- With Royal Icing: Decorate with piped icing for a professional look.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Coat half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
- Sprinkled with Sugar: A light dusting of sugar before baking adds sparkle.
Storing and Reheating
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- In the Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1.5g
FAQs
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! Chill the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Why did my cookies spread? Overmixing or skipping chilling can cause spreading.
- Can I add food coloring? Yes! Mix gel food coloring into the dough for colorful cookies.
- Do I need to refrigerate the dough? Yes, it helps the cookies hold their shape.
- How do I make them crispier? Bake for an extra 1-2 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Conclusion
These soft and buttery cut-out sugar cookies are a timeless treat, perfect for any celebration. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create beautifully shaped, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will love. Try different decorations and flavors to make them your own!
