Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a holiday favorite with their thick, bakery-style texture and a hint of almond flavor. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. They’re a delightful treat for Christmas or any festive occasion, easy to make, and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional; reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a subtle flavor)

For the Icing (Optional):

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3–4 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
Roll and Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion to ¼-inch thickness on lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight).
Cut and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the chilled dough. Place shapes 2–3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Chill cut-out dough for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate (Optional):
- To prepare icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar as needed. Add food coloring if desired.
- Pipe or spread icing onto cooled cookies. Allow icing to set before stacking or packaging.

Nutrients (Per Cookie, Estimated)

Calories: 94
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 70mg
Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and do not include optional icing.

Why These Cookies Are a Favorite

Thick and Soft Texture: Unlike many sugar cookies that can be dry or crumbly, these cookies are tender and soft with just the right amount of chew.
Holds Shape Perfectly: The dough is designed to maintain its shape during baking, making it ideal for intricate cut-outs.
Customizable Flavor: The optional almond extract adds a delightful twist, but you can easily omit it or experiment with other extracts like lemon or orange.
Perfect for Decorating: With a smooth surface and sturdy structure, these cookies are perfect for icing, piping, and sprinkling.

The Art of Making Perfect Sugar Cookie Dough

The dough is the foundation of any great sugar cookie. Achieving the right balance of ingredients and handling it with care are key to success. Here’s what makes this dough exceptional:

Butter and Sugar Creaming: Properly creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy ensures a tender texture.
Chilling the Dough: Refrigerating the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading and losing their shape.
Flour Balance: The correct ratio of flour to wet ingredients keeps the dough soft while ensuring it holds its form during baking.

To make the process even more seamless, divide the dough into manageable portions before chilling. This makes rolling and cutting easier, saving you time and effort.

Tips for Rolling and Cutting

Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: Rolling the dough on parchment paper or silicone mats prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Keep Dough Even: Roll the dough to a uniform thickness (about ¼ inch) for even baking and consistent results.
Chill After Cutting: Chilling the cut-out shapes before baking helps them maintain their sharp edges.

Investing in good-quality cookie cutters and rolling pins can elevate the appearance of your cookies. A rolling pin with thickness rings ensures your dough is perfectly even every time.

The Role of Icing in Decorating

The optional icing in this recipe is more than just a sweet topping—it’s an opportunity to get creative and add a personal touch. This simple icing recipe is easy to work with and dries to a smooth, glossy finish. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Adjustable Consistency: Add milk or powdered sugar to make the icing thinner for flooding or thicker for piping.
Vivid Colors: Gel food coloring produces vibrant hues without altering the consistency.
Professional Finish: The corn syrup gives the icing a shiny, professional look.

Use piping bags and tips to create intricate designs or simply spread the icing with an offset spatula for a more rustic look. Sprinkle with sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences or the occasion. Here are some ideas:

Flavor Enhancements: Swap almond extract for lemon, orange, or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
Colorful Dough: Add a few drops of gel food coloring directly to the dough to create vibrant, festive cookies.
Themed Cut-Outs: Use seasonally themed cookie cutters, such as snowflakes for winter or hearts for Valentine’s Day.
Mix-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

These variations allow you to make each batch of cookies uniquely your own, whether for a holiday party, a gift, or just a fun baking day.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of time. Here’s how to get the most out of your cookies:

Serving: Serve them plain or decorated alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk. They’re also a great addition to dessert platters.
Storing: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers for up to a month.

For holiday gifting, package the cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a festive touch.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a versatile dessert that can be adapted to any celebration. From Christmas and Easter to birthdays and weddings, these cookies bring joy to every occasion. Their simple yet elegant appearance makes them a canvas for creativity, while their delightful flavor ensures they’re a hit with both kids and adults.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Chill Twice: Chill the dough before cutting and the cut-out shapes before baking to achieve clean, sharp edges.
Taste Test: If using almond extract, taste a small portion of the dough before baking to ensure the flavor is balanced to your liking.

The Joy of Holiday Baking

Baking these Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies is more than just creating a dessert—it’s an experience. From rolling out the dough to decorating each cookie, the process is a wonderful way to bond with loved ones or enjoy a moment of creative solitude. The smell of freshly baked cookies and the sight of beautifully decorated shapes evoke the spirit of the holidays and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Conclusion

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of flavor, texture, and versatility. Their thick, tender crumb and customizable decorations make them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a thoughtful gift, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress.

With a straightforward recipe and endless possibilities for creativity, these cookies are a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Embrace the spirit of baking and let these Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies become a cherished part of your traditions, bringing smiles and sweetness to every celebration.