If you’re searching for the most tender, buttery, and delightfully sweet sugar cookies to cut and decorate with family and friends, these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are about to steal your heart! Whether you’re indulging in a kitchen baking day, prepping for the holidays, or just craving a classic treat, these cookies bake up with irresistibly delicate edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for cookie cutters. They hold their shape, come together with pantry staples, and taste like pure nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies lies in a handful of classic, quality ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch, creating a cookie that’s both easy to work with and brimming with old-fashioned goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for a rich flavor and the pillowy-soft texture we love in these cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that perfectly light crumb.
- Large egg: Adds structure and moisture, giving your cookies a soft and tender bite.
- Pure vanilla extract: The backbone of cozy, classic flavor—don’t skimp on the good stuff here.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a splash adds a wonderful bakery-style aroma and subtle nuttiness.
- All-purpose flour: This is what holds everything together and gives the cookies their shape—measure carefully for best results!
- Baking powder: Ensures the perfect amount of lift so the cookies bake up soft, not flat or crispy.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dough and keeps things from tasting one-note sweet.
How to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Together
Start by grabbing your largest bowl and a sturdy mixer—this is where the magic begins. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is noticeably light, pale, and fluffy. This step introduces air for extra-tender Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies and lays the foundation for a perfect dough.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavors
Once your butter and sugar are beautifully blended, beat in the egg, pure vanilla, and a dash of almond extract if you like. Make sure to mix until everything is just combined; you’ll notice the dough turn richer and silkier in texture, which is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution, preventing any pockets of leavening or salt in your final cookies. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing on low just until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Don’t skip this—all the best Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies start with well-chilled dough. Divide it in half, form into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This lets the butter firm up and the flavors meld for easier rolling and cleaner shapes.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters, gathering and re-rolling scraps just once for soft, tender cookies. Place cookies about an inch apart on your prepared sheets.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye as they bake. You want the edges just barely golden. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack—this ensures they stay soft, not brittle.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once completely cooled, these cookies are a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Decorate with royal icing, soft buttercream, colorful sprinkles, or keep them charmingly plain—the choice is yours!
How to Serve Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
The best part about Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies is the freedom to go wild with toppings! A dusting of powdered sugar keeps things classic, while colorful royal icing or a swirl of buttercream transforms each cookie into edible art. Try festive sprinkles, nonpareils, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra touch of whimsy.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic snack, or set them out with bowls of seasonal fruit and a cozy mug of hot cocoa during the holidays. If you’re sharing them at a party, they make a sweet counterpoint next to fresh berries, lemon bars, or chocolate truffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out your decorated cookies on a tiered stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as delicious party favors. For a homemade gift, nestle them in a decorative tin lined with parchment, or stack and tie with baker’s twine for a rustic look. Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are always a hit on cookie platters and dessert buffets, especially when nestled between brownies or macarons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and decorated, keep your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to 4-5 days, making them ideal for make-ahead treats or last-minute snacks. If you’re planning to stack them, layer parchment between each sheet of cookies to preserve your beautiful decorations.
Freezing
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies freeze wonderfully, either baked or as dough. To freeze dough, wrap each disc tightly and tuck into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can be frozen in single layers, separated by parchment, for similar length—just thaw at room temperature and decorate as usual!
Reheating
If your cookies need a quick refresh, a few seconds (about 5-10) in the microwave can revive that soft, bakery-fresh texture. Avoid overheating to keep them from drying out—just a bit of warmth does the trick, especially when paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe for a big batch?
Absolutely! This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies recipe doubles beautifully. If making a larger batch, work with the dough in smaller portions to make rolling and cutting easier, and chill extra discs while you work.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough is key—never skip it! For even more shape retention, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet before baking for about 10 minutes if you have time.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Nope, the almond extract is totally optional but recommended for that “bakery cookie” flavor. If you leave it out, the cookies will still turn out deliciously soft and flavorful.
How thick should I roll the dough?
For best results, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This is the sweet spot for Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies, ensuring they bake up soft in the center but don’t lose their shape in the oven.
Can I decorate these cookies in advance?
Yes! Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can decorate and let the icing set completely. Store them in a single layer or with parchment in between, and the decorations will stay picture-perfect for days.
Final Thoughts
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies never go out of style—they’re sweet, shareable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re new to baking or already a cookie pro, you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is to whip up a batch (or three!). Gather your favorite cookie cutters, call in your friends or little helpers, and enjoy every soft, scrumptious bite!
Print
Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (depending on size of cutters) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. They are tender, buttery, and easy to make, making them a favorite for holiday baking or everyday enjoyment. Decorate them with your favorite icing and sprinkles for a personalized touch!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine and Chill: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Roll: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut and Bake: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
- For best results, keep the dough chilled and reroll scraps only once for soft, tender cookies.
- Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
