Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These easy cut out sugar cookies are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a sweet, buttery treat. With a simple dough recipe that’s quick to prepare and chill, you can create festive shapes and decorate as you like. They bake up soft with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (95g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla or almond extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is creamy.
- Step 2: In a small dish, dissolve the baking soda in the milk. Add this mixture, along with the vanilla extract and beaten egg, to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
- Step 3: Gradually add the salt and flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Step 4: Divide the dough into 3 softball-sized balls. Flatten each slightly, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for at least 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 3 days.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: Remove one dough ball from the fridge and roll it out on a well-floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Step 7: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-12 minutes until edges begin to turn lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try almond extract or add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
- Be sure to chill the dough well to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or sprinkles for festive flair.
- If you prefer crisper cookies, bake a couple minutes longer, watching closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To refresh, let frozen cookies come to room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the dough well before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid using too much butter and roll the dough to an even ¼ inch thickness.
Print
Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe yields classic, buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a soft yet sturdy dough, these cookies hold their shape well when cut out with cookie cutters. The recipe is straightforward, requiring common ingredients and minimal equipment, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Chill the dough to enhance the texture and enjoy perfectly baked cookies in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (95g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla or almond extract
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Dissolve Baking Soda and Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small glass dish, dissolve the baking soda in the milk. Then add this mixture along with the vanilla or almond extract and the beaten egg to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the salt and flour 1 cup at a time, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into 3 softball-sized balls. Flatten each slightly, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill. Freeze for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 3 days to firm up the dough.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) preparing it for baking.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, then transfer them carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, do not skip chilling the dough — it helps maintain the shapes during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Customize with different extracts or add sprinkles before baking for festive variations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugar Cookies, Cut Out Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe, Classic Cookies
