Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
This is hands down the tastiest and most perfect cut-out sugar cookie recipe. These sugar cookies hold their shape which results in a beautiful cookie.
The Story Behind these Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
One of my all-time favorite Christmas traditions with my kids is decorating sugar cookies. Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it’s a lot of work. But is it worth it? Most definitely.
Over the years I have tried several sugar cookie recipes. For years, I used my sister’s sugar cookie recipe made with vanilla pudding. While they tasted scrumptious, they never held their shape and no matter what cookie cutter you used, it looked like a blob once it was done baking.
Back when I was doing custom cake orders out of my home, I also decided how to learn to do those beautiful royal icing cookies. However, in order for those to even look pretty from the start, I needed a perfect cut-out sugar cookie recipe. I searched high and low and finally found a recipe that works for me.
I have possibly made thousands of cut-out sugar cookies with this recipe, and will continue to do so until someone convinces me otherwise.
F.A.Q.S for Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
What You Need To Make Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Butter – You need to use butter for this recipe. It can be salted or unsalted, whichever you prefer to bake with. Do not try to substitute with margarine or oil.
Sugar- This recipe calls for regular granulated white sugar
Vanilla- While I typically use vanilla extract, you can use imitation vanilla in a pinch. Make sure to use the full amount.
Almond Extract- Yes, don’t skip the almond extract. I actually don’t like almond extract, but in the recipe it works so well. I would not suggest eyeballing the almond extract as too much can make the cookie taste terrible.
All-Purpose Flour – remember that flours are not interchangeable. Bread flour and gluten free flour will produce a different flour.
You’ll also need baking powder, salt, and an egg. And of course, your favorite cookie cutters.
Additional Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Sinful Strawberry Buttercream
- Frosted Mint Oreo Cookies
- Homemade Oreo Cookies with Mascarpone Filling
Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, salted or unsalted
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Beat for at least 3 minutes and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Once the sugar and butter mixture is light and fluffy, add in the extracts. Again, mix well, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Add in the dry ingredients and mix until the flour is fully incorporated. It may look like crumbs for a minute and you will probably think you did something wrong, but don't despair. It will come together.
- However, if it stays crumbs for a good while, add in a TBS of water. This will help bring the crumbs together.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface about ½ inch in thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Bake at 350° for 7-9 minutes. The dough will be light in color on the top, but clearly looked cooked. The bottoms will be golden brown. Cool on the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Decorate with your favorite frosting and sprinkles.