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Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 81 reviews

Classic Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These buttery, soft cookies are rolled out and shaped with cookie cutters, then baked to a light golden finish. You can enjoy them plain or decorate with sugar cookie icing or frosting for a festive touch. Easy to make and delicious, they make a wonderful canvas for creativity in cookie decorating.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For Decorating

  • Sugar cookie icing, for a simple glossy glaze or fancier decorating
  • Sugar cookie frosting, for spreading or piping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, cream the cold, cubed butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring a fluffy texture for your cookies.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Blend in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly for flavor depth.
  5. Combine with Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  6. Knead the Dough: The dough will initially be crumbly; use your hands to gently knead it together as you scoop it out of the bowl to form a cohesive dough.
  7. Roll Out and Cut Shapes: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
  8. Chill the Dough: Place the shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Transfer the sheets to the freezer for 10 minutes, which helps prevent spreading when baking.
  9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are just barely golden on the bottoms. Watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Decorate and Set: Once cooled, enjoy your cookies plain or decorate with sugar cookie icing or frosting. Allow decorations to set for at least 3 hours or overnight before stacking or serving.
  12. Additional Tips: Refer to the full article and video for extra tips to achieve optimal results and precise techniques.

Notes

  • Use cold, cubed butter for a better dough texture and easier handling.
  • Chilling the shaped cookies in the freezer before baking helps maintain cookie shape and prevents spreading.
  • Watch the cookies carefully toward the end of baking time to prevent overbaking, which can dry them out.
  • Allow the decorated cookies to set fully before stacking to avoid smudging.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite icing or frosting for different occasions.

Keywords: Cut Out Sugar Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Decorating Cookies, Baking Cookies, Classic Cookie Recipe, Vanilla Almond Cookies

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/cut-out-sugar-cookies-recipe/