Description
These delightful cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, they can be decorated in countless ways to suit your theme or holiday. Whether you enjoy them plain or adorned with colorful icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups (354g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar until just well blended. Avoid overmixing to prevent cookies from spreading. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined. Scrape down the bowl again.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide and Roll the Dough: Scoop the dough out and divide it into two equal portions, shaping each into a ball. Lightly dust each dough ball with flour, then roll each out to a 1/4-inch thick oval between two large sheets of parchment paper.
- Chill the Dough: Transfer the rolled dough, still between the parchment paper, onto 13 by 9-inch baking sheets (or another flat surface) and freeze for 15 minutes (or refrigerate for 1 hour).
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 18 by 13-inch baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut and Bake the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the freezer and cut it into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer the cut shapes to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are nearly set.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, pressing scraps together into a new ball (if it becomes too cold to work with, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes).
Notes
These cookies can be decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoyed plain.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg