Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are buttery, sweet, and tender with a soft texture that's perfect for decorating during the holidays or any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Icing and sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in Oven: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked for that soft texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Notes
Try using lemon or peppermint extract for a twist. Decorate with royal icing for more precise designs. Dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg