Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect soft cut out sugar cookies that actually hold their shape, taste buttery and rich, and are ideal for decorating, then you’ve just found your new favorite recipe. These cookies are thick, pillowy, and made for your favorite cookie cutters. Whether it’s Christmas trees, hearts, or pumpkins, this dough is your blank canvas.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion
• Related Recipes to Try Next
• Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Right after this introduction, we’ll dive deep into what makes these cookies so special, how to ensure they stay soft, and all the little tips that make a big difference. You’ll also find expert answers to common questions and creative ways to customize the recipe for any season or dietary need.

this recipe

Looking for more festive cookie ideas? Be sure to check out these delicious recipes:

• Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
• Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe (Cutout)
• The Best Sugar Cookies: Soft, Buttery and Perfect for Decorating

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Foolproof

This recipe has been tested again and again to ensure consistent results. The dough is simple to mix, easy to roll out, and doesn't require fancy tools or ingredients. Even if you're new to baking, you'll end up with a beautiful batch every time.

Thick, Soft Texture

These sugar cookies are not thin or crispy. Instead, they’re rolled to a generous ¼-inch thickness, resulting in cookies that are soft in the middle with slightly firm edges. They have a smooth surface, which is ideal for icing, piping, and decorating with sprinkles.

Perfect for Holiday Decorating

One of the best parts of this sugar cookie recipe is how well the cookies keep their shape in the oven. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or a birthday party, these cookies are perfect for intricate cookie cutters and creative icing designs.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The dough can be prepared a day or two ahead and chilled until you're ready to bake. The cookies themselves also freeze beautifully, both before and after baking, which makes them a great option for busy holiday prep.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full Ingredient List

For the cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)

For the icing (optional):

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

Ingredient Quality Tips

• Use real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine or butter blends can alter both.
• If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a more subtle flavor, you can replace it with additional vanilla extract.
• For a smoother icing, always sift the powdered sugar before mixing.

Substitution Ideas

• For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter.
• Gluten-free flour blends work well in this recipe. Choose a 1:1 substitute for best results.
• Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup in the icing if needed, though it may slightly change the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel similar to Play-Doh and should not be sticky.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Place each half between two sheets of lightly floured parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
Stack the rolled dough sheets on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

3. Cut and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Remove one dough sheet from the fridge. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart.
Re-roll any scraps and chill again before cutting more cookies.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Do not overbake.
Cool the cookies on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Icing (Optional)

In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Adjust the consistency by adding more milk (to thin) or powdered sugar (to thicken).
Divide the icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring if desired.
Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for at least 2 hours before packaging.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Best Practices

• Always roll the dough before chilling. This makes the process faster and easier.
• Flour your rolling pin and cookie cutters lightly to prevent sticking.
• Chill your cut cookies before baking, especially if the dough has warmed up during cutting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step increases the risk of cookies spreading during baking.
• Using hot baking sheets from a previous batch can cause dough to melt and lose shape.

Time-Saving Hacks

• Freeze pre-rolled dough sheets and defrost overnight before baking.
• Make the icing ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just stir before using.
• Bake the cookies weeks ahead and freeze undecorated. Decorate when you're ready.

Serving Suggestions

Cookie Tray Pairings

These cookies pair beautifully with:

• Chocolate crinkle cookies
• Peppermint bark
• Soft molasses cookies

For more inspiration, take a look at these holiday favorites:

• Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
• Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
• The Best Sugar Cookies for Decorating

Styling Tips

• Use royal icing for clean outlines and details.
• Add festive touches with sanding sugar, candy pearls, or edible glitter.
• Display cookies on a wooden board or vintage tray for rustic charm.

Beverage Pairings

• Hot cocoa with whipped cream
• Chai lattes or cinnamon tea
• Classic eggnog for a holiday touch

Storage and Reheating

Storing the Cookies

Store undecorated or decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing and Thawing

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• You can also freeze the dough after rolling and cutting. Place cut shapes on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen with 1 to 2 extra minutes in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Adapting for Special Diets

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 baking flour blend designed for gluten-free recipes.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free milk for the icing.

Creative Flavor Additions

• Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
• Replace vanilla with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy cookie.

Seasonal Themes

• Valentine's Day: Heart shapes with pink and red icing
• Halloween: Pumpkins, bats, and ghost shapes with spooky colors
• Easter: Bunny and egg shapes with pastel icing

Conclusion

These soft cut out sugar cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be. Thick, buttery, and easy to decorate, they’re a favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you're starting a new family tradition or just want a reliable cookie recipe that turns out perfect every time, this one is a keeper.

I’d love to see how your cookies turn out. Tag your creations on Pinterest at Bake with Lina and join our baking community. Happy baking!

Related Recipes to Try Next

• Christmas Lights Sugar Cookies
• Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe (Cutout)
• The Best Sugar Cookies: Soft, Buttery and Perfect for Decorating

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