Baking cut-out sugar cookies has always been a cherished tradition in my family. I can still remember the excitement I felt as a child, rolling up my sleeves and eagerly helping my grandma prepare the dough. The aroma of vanilla and sweet creaminess would fill the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
I loved watching her delicately cut out the shapes – from classic stars and snowflakes to whimsical Santa Clauses and reindeer. The best part was decorating them with colorful sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter. It was like creating edible works of art that we’d proudly display on the Christmas tree or give away as gifts.
Even today, nothing brings me more joy than baking a batch of these nostalgic Cut-out Sugar Cookies. They instantly transport me back to those cozy, flour-dusted memories in my grandma’s kitchen. That’s why this recipe has become my go-to for the holiday season – and I know it’ll quickly become yours too.
Why This Cut-out Sugar Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind these perfect Cut-out Sugar Cookies lies in the simple yet effective techniques I’ve perfected over the years. Unlike dense, hard cookies that can sometimes result from traditional recipes, this version yields a delightfully soft, pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth. The key is getting the right balance of ingredients and chilling the dough just long enough to maintain its shape during baking.
The Secret Behind Perfect Cut-out Sugar Cookies
I’ll also share my tips for rolling out the dough evenly without it sticking or tearing, as well as how to achieve those beautifully crisp, golden-brown edges. Once you master these simple tricks, you’ll be able to whip up batches of Cut-out Sugar Cookies that look and taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of these cookies, providing rich, creamy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their signature crispness.
- Egg yolk: Adds tenderness and a richer texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop that perfect pillowy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Cut-out Sugar Cookies Instructions
Preparing your Cut-out Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process that’s well worth the effort. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these holiday favorites ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!
Preparing Your Cut-out Sugar Cookies
First, you’ll need to chill the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) to firm it up and prevent the cookies from losing their shape during baking. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! You’ll also want to have your rolling pin, cookie cutters, and baking sheets ready to go.
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
3- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days).
4- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, gently transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
6- Bake the Cut-out Sugar Cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Be sure not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting – this is the secret to keeping your shapes crisp and defined.
- Use a light touch when handling the dough and cutting out the shapes to prevent them from becoming misshapen.
- Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for even browning.
Serving and Storing Your Cut-out Sugar Cookies
These Cut-out Sugar Cookies are the perfect festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog, and make thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Perfect Pairings for Cut-out Sugar Cookies
For a classic holiday pairing, serve the cookies alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a pot of fragrant Christmas tea. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday charcuterie board, nestled among dried fruits, nuts, and other seasonal sweets.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Cut-out Sugar Cookies is that they keep incredibly well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
You can also prepare the dough in advance and chill it for up to 3 days before rolling, cutting, and baking. This makes for easy, stress-free holiday baking whenever you need a fresh batch.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cut-out Sugar Cookies
Creative Cut-out Sugar Cookies Variations
While the classic vanilla-flavored Cut-out Sugar Cookies are always a hit, you can easily switch things up by adding different extracts or spices to the dough. Try almond, lemon, or peppermint extract for a unique twist. You can also roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkle it with festive sprinkles before baking for a fun, decorative touch.
Making Cut-out Sugar Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free blend, use plant-based butter and an egg replacer for vegan cookies, or swap the regular sugar for a keto-friendly alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, I recommend sticking to unsalted to better control the overall salt content of the cookies. If you do use salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking. You can also make the dough up to 3 days in advance and chill it until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Absolutely! These Cut-out Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How can I make the cookies more vibrant in color?
A: To achieve brighter, more vibrant colors, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough before chilling. You can also decorate the baked cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Q: Why did my cookies spread during baking?
A: If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days) before rolling and cutting.
Classic Cut-out Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These classic cut-out sugar cookies are a must-have for the holiday season! With a delightfully buttery and slightly crisp texture, they’re perfect for decorating and sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
5. – Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
6. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. – Working with one disc at a time, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. – Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
10. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. – Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
For best results, be sure to chill the dough before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These irresistible Cut-out Sugar Cookies are a true holiday classic that will fill your home with the most wonderful aromas and memories. With this foolproof recipe and the tips I’ve shared, you’ll be able to craft batches of these delightful treats that look and taste like they came straight from a high-end bakery.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones, put on your apron, and let’s get baking! I can’t wait to see the creative shapes and decorations you come up with. Be sure to share your masterpieces with me in the comments below. Happy holidays, and happy baking!
