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Show the cooled cookies being decorated with colorful royal icing and sprinkles on the white marble cooktop. A piping bag and bowls of icing in festive colors are arranged nearby, adding vibrant energy to the scene

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

These soft, buttery cut-out cookies are flavored with vanilla and almond extract, perfect for any occasion. Decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, they're a sweet treat for gifting or sharing!
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Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
  • Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup 170g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional, but makes the flavor outstanding*
  • For Decorating
  • Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing royal icing is pictured
  • Assorted sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
    Illustrate a glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop where flour, baking powder, and salt are being whisked together into a smooth mixture. The ingredients are neatly arranged around the bowl, with a sense of order in the workspace.
  • Beat butter and sugar on high speed until smooth, then add egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
  • Mix in the dry ingredients until combined, adding more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  • Divide dough into two portions and roll each between parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Chill for 1-2 hours.
    Show the dough divided into two portions on the white marble cooktop. Each portion is being rolled out between sheets of parchment paper to a 1/4-inch thickness. A rolling pin and neatly placed parchment papers help shape the dough.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
  • Cut dough into shapes, rerolling scraps until all dough is used.
    Show cookie cutters being pressed into the chilled dough to create festive shapes. The cut-out cookies are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet, with scraps of dough neatly set aside for rerolling
  • Bake for 11-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned, then cool on a wire rack.
    Illustrate the baking sheet with cut-out cookies being placed into the oven. The cookies are beginning to turn golden brown at the edges, with the white marble cooktop and the oven’s warm glow in the background.
  • Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or easy glaze icing, then allow to set.
    Show the cooled cookies being decorated with colorful royal icing and sprinkles on the white marble cooktop. A piping bag and bowls of icing in festive colors are arranged nearby, adding vibrant energy to the scene