How to Make the Perfect Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies
American · Easy · 32 min · 24 servings
These soft and chewy cut out sugar cookies are a beloved kid friendly recipe that the whole family can decorate together with colorful frosting and sprinkles. They hold their shape perfectly during baking making them ideal for holiday and birthday celebrations.
Why this recipe works
This Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 32 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 145 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined then gradually add the flour and baking powder mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill and Roll the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about one quarter inch thickness and cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut out cookies on parchment lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
Step 4: Decorate with Kids
Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. Mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon of milk at a time until a thick frosting forms then let kids decorate with frosting sprinkles and edible glitter to their hearts content.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → vegan butter sticks for a dairy free version that works just as well
- all purpose flour → a 1 to 1 gluten free baking flour blend for gluten free cookies
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the chilling step which causes the cookies to spread too much and lose their cut out shape
- Overbaking the cookies past golden edges which makes them hard and dry instead of soft and tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 145 calories, 2g protein, 22g carbs, 6g fat, 0g fiber.
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