7 Steps to Make the Best Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs Ever
Soft, buttery, and perfectly shaped, these sugar cookies are a must-have for holiday baking, birthday parties, or any fun occasion. With crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies hold their shape beautifully when using your favorite cookie cutters. The secret? Chilling the dough and carefully balancing sugar, butter, and flour for the perfect cookie every time.
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Why These Sugar Cookies Are a Family Favorite
These sugar cookies aren’t just sweet—they’re a tradition. Many bakers struggle with cookies that spread too much or lose their shape, but with this recipe, the cookies come out perfectly every time. The combination of chilled butter and dough ensures that the edges remain crisp while the center stays soft. Decorating is also a breeze; the cookies hold royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles without falling apart. Plus, the recipe is easy to make ahead, which means you can prep for the holidays or parties in advance without stress.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
Every ingredient plays a role in achieving the perfect sugar cookie. Chilled butter ensures the dough doesn’t spread too much. Eggs and egg yolk add richness and help bind the dough. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, while the combination of flour, baking powder, and salt provides structure. This recipe balances sweetness and texture, creating cookies that are soft, slightly chewy, and just buttery enough to melt in your mouth. The simplicity of ingredients makes it accessible and easy to customize with your favorite flavors.
Tips for Baking Perfect Cut-Out Cookies
Consistency and patience are key. Roll dough evenly to ¼-inch thick, chill properly, and don’t overbake. These small steps prevent spreading, ensure uniform baking, and allow for beautifully decorated cookies. Using parchment paper or a Silpat mat prevents sticking, and letting cookies cool completely ensures that your decorations don’t melt. Whether you’re baking for kids, parties, or gifts, following these steps guarantees cookies that look as good as they taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups salted butter, chilled and cut into ½” pieces (284g)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, scooped & leveled (250g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (423g)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Mix butter and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add flour, salt, and baking powder on low speed. Mix until combined. Chill dough 2–4 hours.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Dough
Roll dough ¼-inch thick on floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create shapes.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate
Use royal icing, frosting, or sprinkles as desired.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sugar: 8 g
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before rolling.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for texture and flavor. Margarine may result in spreading.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.
4. How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Chill dough 2+ hours and roll evenly. Avoid overbaking.
5. How long do decorated cookies last?
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.