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The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 206 reviews

This classic cut out sugar cookie recipe delivers tender, buttery cookies with the perfect soft texture and crisp edges. Easily decorated with a simple homemade frosting or sprinkles, these cookies are ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a sweet homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Cookie Decoration

  • Milk or cream, for brushing
  • Sprinkles

Frosting

  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3–4 tablespoons milk, room temperature
  • 2 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Sugar Cookies: Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined to form a dough.
  4. Divide and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a round, flat disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to chill and firm up the dough.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2-4 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Remove one chilled dough disc and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½ inch or ¼ inch thickness depending on your preferred cookie softness.
  7. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps up to two additional times for more cookies.
  8. Decorate with Sprinkles (Optional): If desired, brush the surface of the cookies lightly with milk or cream and sprinkle with sprinkles before baking to help them adhere.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes or until the cookies are puffed and just set around the edges. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
  10. Cool Cookies: Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Repeat: Repeat the rolling, cutting, decorating, and baking process with the second disc of dough.
  12. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to reach your desired consistency for piping or spreading.
  13. Add Color: If desired, divide the frosting into smaller bowls and mix in gel food coloring to create different colors.
  14. Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting onto them using piping bags fitted with your preferred tips.
  15. Set the Frosting: Let decorated cookies sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours or until the frosting hardens. Chilling in the refrigerator can speed up this process.
  16. Store: Store finished cookies in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For softer cookies, roll the dough to ½ inch thickness; for crispier cookies, roll thinner at ¼ inch.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for easier cutting and cleaner shapes.
  • You can re-roll the dough scraps up to two more times, but excessive handling may make cookies tougher.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  • If frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until desired texture is reached.
  • Store decorated cookies in a single layer to avoid damaging the frosting.
  • Butter can be substituted with an equal amount of unsalted butter; adjust salt accordingly.

Keywords: sugar cookies, cut out cookies, Christmas cookies, homemade sugar cookies, cookie frosting

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/the-best-cut-out-sugar-cookie-recipe/