Oh, my dear friends, gather ’round because I have something truly special to share with you today! One of my all-time favorite recipes has to be these Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies. I mean, who can resist a beautifully decorated cookie that practically melts in your mouth? They’re perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a Friday night when you want something sweet!
I remember baking these cookies with my grandma when I was little. We would roll out the dough, cut out fun shapes, and then get artsy with the frosting, turning our kitchen into a festive wonderland! The kitchen always smelled heavenly and was filled with laughter, icing fights, and sprinkles galore. These cookies not only taste divine but also hold a treasure trove of wonderful memories. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
What’s in Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our cookie dough. A good all-purpose flour will give the right texture, so I usually reach for Bob’s Red Mill.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure our cookies rise beautifully and maintain that soft, fluffy texture.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it balances out the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Softened butter makes for a creamier dough and keeps the cookies tender. I like to use Kerrygold for its rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: We need sweetness, and sugar helps give our cookies that delightful crisp edge while remaining soft inside.
Large Egg: This binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor boost! Pure vanilla extract is always my go-to for natural sweetness.
Almond Extract (optional): If you want an extra layer of flavor, this is the secret twist! It adds a lovely warmth that I absolutely adore, but feel free to skip it if you prefer classic vanilla.
Royal Icing: This is what brings the cookies to life. You can get creative with colors and designs, making these cookies not just delicious but also stunning!
Assorted Sprinkles: Because what’s a decorated cookie without sprinkles? They add a fun pop of color that’s just irresistible!
Is Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health aspect. These cookies, bless their soft little souls, are not what you’d call “healthy,” but moderation is key!
Butter: While it adds flavor and richness, keep in mind that it’s high in saturated fats. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt content.
Sugar: Yes, they’re sugary! But hey, treat yourself once in a while. Just be aware that these cookies are definitely a dessert item, best enjoyed in moderation alongside your favorite cuppa.
All in all, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy—just don’t make them a daily habit unless you want to turn into a cookie yourself!
Ingredients
– 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– Royal icing (for decorating)
– Assorted sprinkles (for decorating)
This recipe makes plenty, roughly about **24 beautifully shaped cookies**, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
How to Make Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies?
1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look like a fluffy cloud!
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until everything is well combined and speaking to each other.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft—I like to scoop it out and give it a little love with my hands at this stage!
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firmly set—this is where the magic happens!
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line those baking sheets with parchment paper because we don’t want sticky situations here!
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes—think Christmas trees for the holidays and fun snowflakes!
8. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!
10. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Once they’re cool, unleash your artistic side and decorate with royal icing and sprinkles!
Cookie Magic Tips and Tricks
– Want to make royal icing? You’ll need powdered sugar, egg whites or meringue powder, and water. Adjust the consistency with water for piping and flooding techniques so you can create that intricate icing design!
– A tip I love? If you want to prep ahead, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, making them a perfect batch treat for gatherings!
– Feeling adventurous? Try adding some zest from an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing twist!
It’s my heartfelt wish that you’ll give these Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies a try in your own kitchen. Bake up those memories just as I did with my grandma, and let the magic of cookies bring you joy. When you make them, drop a comment or tag me in your creations—I absolutely love seeing your cookie art come to life! Happy baking, my sweet friends!
