Description
These Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies are classic, tender treats perfect for any occasion. Made from a simple dough enriched with vanilla and almond extracts, they bake up soft and lightly golden. The optional smooth, sweet glaze adds a delightful finishing touch. Ideal for decorating with your favorite shapes and colors, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and soft texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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 (reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a subtler flavor)
Icing (Optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside this mixture for the dough preparation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Flavors: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla and almond extracts, ensuring all ingredients are fully combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Roll and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Place each on lightly floured parchment paper or a silicone mat, rolling each to about ¼ inch thickness using a lightly floured rolling pin. Dust the dough lightly with flour, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut and Arrange Cookies: Remove one dough portion from the fridge. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed, chilling cut-out dough on the baking sheets in the fridge or freezer for at least 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing (Optional): In a medium bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Add gel food coloring for tinting if desired.
- Decorate and Set: Once cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread the icing on top. Allow the icing to firm and set for a couple of hours before packaging or serving to ensure a perfect finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets for best results and easy cleanup.
- Adjust the almond extract quantity based on your flavor preference to avoid an overpowering taste.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Soft Sugar Cookies, Cutout Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe, Soft Baked Cookies, Iced Sugar Cookies, Vanilla Almond Cookies
