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Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Name: Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Lisa

May 11, 2025

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There’s something magical about baking Cut-Out Sugar Cookies that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home. The smell of vanilla and butter wafting through the air, the laughter as you press cookie cutters into the dough—it’s pure joy. My favorite part? The way these cookies turn out with crisp, golden edges and a soft, tender center, perfect for holding all that frosting and sprinkles. I’ll never forget the time my niece and I spent an entire afternoon decorating these into every shape imaginable, from stars to snowflakes. It’s moments like these that make this recipe a family treasure.

Why You’ll Love These Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Trust me, these aren’t just any sugar cookies—they’re the kind you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why:

So easy to whip up – No fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples mixed with love (and maybe a little extra vanilla).
Perfect for decorating – The smooth surface holds royal icing or sprinkles like a dream, making them ideal for holidays or just-because fun.
Family-friendly fun – Kids adore cutting out shapes, and let’s be honest, so do grown-ups (I still fight over the heart cutter).
Versatile as can be – Swap vanilla for almond extract, add lemon zest, or keep ‘em classic. They’re delicious every way.

See? Told ya you’d love ‘em.

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies - detail 1

Ingredients for Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got most in your kitchen already! The key is using real butter (none of that margarine business) and fresh vanilla for that classic cookie taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed!
1/2 tsp baking powder – just a pinch to help them rise slightly
1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes (should dent when pressed)
3/4 cup granulated sugar – regular white sugar works perfectly
1 large egg – straight from the fridge is fine
1 tsp vanilla extract – or try almond for a fun twist

That’s it! Seven simple ingredients for cookies that’ll make your whole house smell like happiness.

How to Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning that dough into edible masterpieces! I’ve made these cookies more times than I can count, and here’s my foolproof method (with all the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way).

First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, this saves so much cleanup – no stuck cookies here! Now grab that bowl of dry ingredients you whisked together earlier (the flour, baking powder, and salt).

The creaming magic: In your mixer or big bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial! You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks almost white and forms soft peaks. Then beat in the egg and vanilla until just combined (overmixing makes tough cookies).

Bringing it together: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I do this in 3 parts, mixing just until the flour disappears each time. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl when it’s ready – soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a tablespoon more flour. Too dry? A teaspoon of milk saves the day.

Rolling time! Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness – any thinner and they’ll burn, any thicker and they won’t crisp up nicely. Dip your cookie cutters in flour before each press to prevent sticking. Pro tip: Start from the center and work outward to maximize your dough!

Baking perfection: Space cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared sheets. They don’t spread much, but they need breathing room. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just barely golden – the centers should still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool on the wire rack (about 15 minutes). Resist decorating until completely cool, or your icing will melt right off!

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies - detail 2

See? Not scary at all. Now comes the best part – decorating with all the sprinkles your heart desires! For more delicious recipes, check out this site.