Description
This Best Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut-Out Cookies is perfect for making classic, tender, and perfectly sweet sugar cookies that hold their shape well. Ideal for holiday decorating or any special occasion, these cookies have a balanced flavor enhanced with vanilla and almond extracts and a soft, buttery texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps the cookies hold their shape when cut out.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies as desired with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and help maintain cookie shapes.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking.
- If you want crisper edges, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
