Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Few things in life are as universally loved as a soft, buttery sugar cookie with just the right balance of crisp edges and pillowy centers. Whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet treat with afternoon tea, Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies have a special place in every baker’s repertoire. Today, we’re diving deep into Sally’s trusted recipe from Sally’s Baking 101, exploring everything from ingredient secrets to expert decorating tips, storage techniques, and fun variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These soft sugar cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile, easy to personalize, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love baking them:

• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with thick, soft centers, giving every bite a satisfying chew.
• Decorating Friendly: The ideal base for royal icing, glaze, or buttercream; sturdy enough to hold detailed designs.
• Customizable Flavors: Add almond, lemon, peppermint, or maple extract to make each batch unique.
• Freezable Dough: Make ahead and freeze portions for quick, stress-free baking anytime.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfect for family baking sessions and holiday cookie decorating parties.
• Consistent Results: Foolproof recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to create these luscious cookies. The ingredients are grouped for clarity and easy prep.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for rolling
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances flavor)

Decorating Ingredients

• Royal icing, easy glaze icing, or cookie decorating buttercream
• Assorted sprinkles

Serving Size: Yields approximately 24 cookies (3–4 inches each) depending on cutter size

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Rolling pin (regular or adjustable)
• Cookie cutters (any shapes you like; heart-shaped or themed for holidays)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Optional: piping bags, couplers, tips for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure perfect cookies every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in your dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat:

• Butter
• Granulated sugar

on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and creamy. This step is essential for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the following to the creamed butter and sugar:

• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Beat on high speed for 1 minute, scraping down the sides and bottom as needed. The mixture should be smooth and homogeneous.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer to low speed, then gradually add the dry ingredient mixture from Step 1. Mix just until combined.

• The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
• If too soft, add 1 extra tablespoon of flour.

Step 5: Divide and Chill

Divide the dough in half. Place each portion on lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

• Roll each portion to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
• Stack the two portions with parchment in between and refrigerate for 2 hours to 2 days. Chilling makes the dough easier to cut and prevents spreading in the oven.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 7: Cut the Cookies

• Carefully remove the top dough portion.
• Use cookie cutters to cut shapes.
• Gather scraps, reroll, and continue cutting.
• Place cookies 3 inches apart on baking sheets.

Step 8: Bake

• Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned.
• Rotate baking sheets halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
• Allow to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 9: Decorate

• Once cooled, decorate using royal icing, glaze, or buttercream.
• Tint icings with gel colors if desired.
• Optional: Refrigerate the sheet to help icing set faster.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Variations

• Almond: Up to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty aroma.
• Citrus: Add 1 tsp lemon extract or 1 Tbsp zest.
• Seasonal Spices: 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, or peppermint extract.
• Maple or Coconut: Try 1 tsp maple or coconut extract for a warm twist.

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter alternatives; ensure decorations are dairy-free.

Make Ahead

• Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days before baking.
• Freeze dough discs up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Cookies themselves can be frozen plain or decorated (with fully set icing) for up to 3 months.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Soft, tender centers with lightly crisp edges.
• Taste: Buttery, sweet, with subtle vanilla and almond notes.
• Best Served With: Tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a classic treat.
• Side Suggestions: Pair with chocolate-dipped strawberries, hot cocoa, or a fruit tart for a dessert spread.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
130	2 g	18 g	6 g	0.5 g

• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free (unless almond extract used), dairy present.

FAQs

1. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and divide dough into 3–4 portions for easier handling.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure butter is room temperature, not too soft. Also, chill dough for at least 2 hours before cutting.

3. Can I use other extracts?
Absolutely! Maple, lemon, peppermint, or coconut extracts all work beautifully.

4. How do I store decorated cookies?

• Plain: Room temperature up to 5 days, refrigerated up to 10 days.
• Buttercream-decorated: Room temperature 1 day, refrigerated up to 5 days.

5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze dough discs before rolling, up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	10 minutes
Mix & Form Dough	15 minutes
Chill Dough	2 hours (min)
Preheat Oven	10 minutes
Bake Cookies	11–12 minutes
Cooling	5–10 minutes
Decorating	15–30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a platter with decorative sprinkles for parties.
• Include in gift boxes or cookie tins for holidays.
• Pair with hot cocoa, tea, or milk for a cozy afternoon snack.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Roll cookie edges in cinnamon sugar before baking.
3. Decorated Holiday Cookies: Use colored royal icing and sprinkles for festive themes.
4. Mini Cookie Sandwiches: Spread buttercream between two cookies for bite-sized treats.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butter

• Selection: Unsalted, high-quality butter is key for rich flavor.
• Storage: Keep in the fridge until room temperature for mixing.
• Enhancement: Do not over-soften; soft yet cool butter yields the perfect dough texture.

Flour

• Selection: All-purpose flour ensures the correct texture.
• Measurement Tip: Spoon and level for accurate measurement. Too much flour makes cookies dry.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chill dough thoroughly before cutting to maintain shape.
• Use a light dusting of flour on the rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking.
• Rotate sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
• Scraps can be rerolled, but avoid overworking dough to prevent tough cookies.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cookies: Room temp 5 days, fridge 10 days.
• Decorated Cookies: Room temp 1 day, fridge 5 days.
• Cookie Dough: Freeze discs up to 3 months, thaw overnight.
• Decorated Cookies (Frozen): Layer with parchment, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	130 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	0.5 g

• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, contains dairy, nut-free if almond extract omitted.

Expanded Conclusion

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. Their tender centers, buttery flavor, and endless decorating potential make them perfect for gifting, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. By following this guide carefully, from ingredient prep to decorating tips, you can achieve professional-quality cookies at home every time.

Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will become a favorite in your recipe collection. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the cookie magic begin—your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!

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