Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

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Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are an irresistible treat that beckons from cookie platters and holiday gatherings alike. These delicate, sweet confections have a buttery flavor and a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. Perfectly customizable with colorful icing and sprinkles, they bring joy to any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening at home. This recipe is your step-by-step guide to creating these delightful treats right in your kitchen. Get ready to indulge in the nostalgic charm of baking, as these cookies promise to be a hit with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best parts about making Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies is their remarkably easy preparation. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here; just simple, wholesome components that come together seamlessly. This recipe also promotes family bonding, making it a fun activity to prepare together. Pass down the tradition of cookie decorating to the next generation or invite friends over for a cookie-decorating party!

These cookies are not only scrumptious but also incredibly versatile. You can use cookie cutters in different shapes for every occasion—from festive holiday symbols to playful kid-friendly designs. And with minimal ingredients that are usually found in your pantry, whipping up a batch of these vibrant cookies is a breeze, making them a go-to treat for any time of the year.

Ingredients for Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, creating that perfect soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly for a perfect bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens up the batch to perfection.
• 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds a touch of creaminess.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: For that classic cookie flavor, filling your kitchen with its enchanting aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds an elegant twist to the flavor profile.
• Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing or Cookie Buttercream: The perfect embellishment for decorative flair.
• Assorted sprinkles: For that extra pop of color and fun!

Step-by-Step Directions for Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the dough, which is essential for balanced flavor.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy. The mixture should become pale in color and fluffy, which helps to create a light texture in the final cookies.

3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until well combined. Incorporating these ingredients adds richness and complexity to your cookie’s flavor.

4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms, adding flour if the mixture is too sticky. This helps maintain control over the dough’s consistency, ensuring it rolls out perfectly later on.

5. Divide the dough into two halves, roll each half out, and chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, making the dough easier to work with and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. A preheated oven ensures consistent baking, while parchment paper prevents sticking.

7. Cut shapes from the chilled dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Choose shapes that suit your occasion, from festive to fun!

8. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary with ovens.

9. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. This step is crucial as moving them too early can lead to breakage.

10. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired. Let your creativity flow; use various colors and designs to make your cookies truly your own!

11. Store cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container, ensuring they remain soft and enjoyable.

Tips & Tricks for Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Baking can be more forgiving than you think, especially with a few chef’s secrets! If you find your dough overly sticky, add just a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. For enhanced flavor, don’t skimp on the quality of your vanilla extract; high-quality extracts make a significant difference!

For a unique twist, consider adding citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for a refreshing touch. Also, if you have younger bakers helping, use different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters for a fun visual mini-adventure!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a versatile addition to any dessert table. Serve them alongside rich hot chocolate, creamy coffees, or chilled milk for a classic treat. For festive occasions, pair them with homemade fudge or other baked goods, creating a beautiful gradient of textures and flavors.

You can also use them as placeholders at parties by decorating with names or messages written in icing, adding a personal touch to your gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Each Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookie contains approximately 100-120 calories, depending on size and decoration. While indulgent, they can fit into a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. The balance of carbohydrates and fats along with a sprinkle of protein from the egg makes these cookies a satisfying treat.

Storing Tips & Variations for Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they can be frozen both as dough and as baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container; it can last in the freezer for up to three months. For baked cookies, simply store them in an airtight container for freshness.

Healthier swaps are easy—consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor, or use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also experiment with sugar alternatives to reduce added sugars.

Conclusion for Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love, making them a staple for any dessert occasion. The combination of soft texture and endless decorating possibilities brings joy to the baking experience. So don’t wait—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start creating your batch today; these cookies are simply too good to resist!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out and cutting shapes.

2. How can I achieve the best texture?
Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, and don’t over-mix the dough. Chilling it is also essential to maintain its shape during baking.

3. What are some easy ways to decorate the cookies?
Use Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing for smooth finishes, and don’t hold back on the sprinkles! You can also use melted chocolate or colored sugar for fun variations.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it will alter the texture slightly.

5. How can I make these cookies for different holidays or occasions?
Change up the shapes and colors! Use festive cookie cutters, and match your icing and sprinkles to the theme or holiday colors for a fun, customized look.

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

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Delicate, sweet confections with a buttery flavor and soft texture, perfect for decorating and any occasion.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 134 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing or Cookie Buttercream (for decoration)
• Assorted sprinkles (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Divide dough into two halves, roll each half out, and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Cut shapes from the chilled dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
9. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
10. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Notes

If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until manageable. High-quality vanilla extract enhances flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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