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
Scale
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
