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The Easiest Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

These easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a soft, buttery texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The dough is simple to prepare, chilled to maintain shape, and baked until lightly golden at the edges. Ideal for decorating with royal icing, melted chocolate, or powdered sugar icing, these cookies are a delightful treat for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 80 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 200 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for a softer texture)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or a stand mixer’s bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar at medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and the dough is smooth.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add flour, salt, and baking powder if using, then mix on low speed just until the dough comes together, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Shape and Chill Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and prevent spreading during baking.
  5. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface or between parchment sheets, roll the dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness.
  6. Freeze Before Cutting: Freeze the rolled dough for 10 minutes to firm it up before cutting shapes.
  7. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut designs, then transfer cookies to a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
  8. Freeze Cookies Again: Freeze the cut-out cookies for 15–30 minutes to help them maintain crisp shapes while baking.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C) and bake cookies for 8–10 minutes until edges turn golden while centers stay soft.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate as desired with royal icing, powdered sugar icing, melted chocolate, or marzipan.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough before rolling and cutting is essential for maintaining sharp, well-defined cookie shapes.
  • Freezing the cut-out cookies before baking prevents excessive spreading and keeps edges crisp.
  • For softer cookies, include the optional baking powder.
  • Room temperature egg helps to achieve a smooth dough consistency.
  • Decorate cooled cookies to avoid melting or smudging the decorations.

Keywords: Cut Out Sugar Cookies, Easy Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Butter Cookies, Cookie Decorating

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