Easy Cut Out Sugar Cookies: Your New Family Favorite!

Get ready to fall in love with these cut out sugar cookies! They’re perfectly tender, hold their shape like a dream (no more blobby cookies, yay!), and are just begging for some fun decoration. This recipe is a family favorite, and I just know it’ll become one in your home too! Making these cut out sugar cookies is a joy from start to finish.

Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (So quick!)
Cook Time: About 10 minutes (depends on size)
Additional Time: At least 1 hour for chilling (super important!)
Total Time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes (plus extra chill time if you like)
Yield: Makes about 20 medium-sized cut out sugar cookies

Ingredients for Your Amazing Cut Out Sugar Cookies:

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, nice and soft at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg, also at room temperature (it really does make a difference!)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – use the good stuff, you won’t regret it!
1/4 teaspoon almond extract – this is my little secret for an extra yummy flavor boost!
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Let’s Make Some Amazing Cut Out Sugar Cookies!

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s easier than you think.

Step One – Mix the Butter & Sugar: In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat your soft butter and sugar together. Now, here’s a little tip: you just want them combined, not super light and fluffy like for some cakes. This helps make our cut out sugar cookies wonderfully dense and chewy!
Step Two – Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack in your room temperature egg, then pour in that lovely vanilla extract and the hint of almond extract. Beat everything together until it’s well mixed.
Step Three – Combine Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of your bowl with a rubber spatula – we want every bit of goodness in there! Add your flour and salt, and mix for about 1 minute, just until the dough comes together. Try not to overmix!
Step Four – Chill Time!: Turn your dough out and gently form it into a flat, oval disk. Wrap it up snugly in plastic wrap. Now, pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight is even better if you have the time! This chilling step is key for perfect cut out sugar cookies that don’t spread.
Step Five – Get Ready to Bake: When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend for easy cleanup and perfectly baked bottoms.
Step Six – Roll and Cut: Lightly flour your work surface (and your rolling pin!). Roll out your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Now for the fun part – use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out your shapes! Carefully move your cut out sugar cookies to the prepared baking sheets. If you want to add sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking, now’s the time!
Step Seven – Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 8 to 12 minutes. The exact time will depend on how big your cut out sugar cookies are. You’re looking for the edges to be just starting to turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is an important step if you’re planning on sugar cookies and icing!

Why These Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a Winner:

They Hold Their Shape: Seriously, these are amazing for intricate cutters.
Perfect Texture: You get that delightful slightly crisp edge with a tender, chewy center.
So Versatile: Plain, sprinkled, or fully decorated – they’re delicious every way! This is one of those cookie recipes sugar cookies fans will adore.

Getting Your Cut Out Sugar Cookies Just Right: Tips from My Kitchen!

Room Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter and egg are truly at room temperature. It helps everything mix together so smoothly.
Don’t Skip the Chill: I know, waiting is hard! But chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spread and making it easier to handle.
Flour Power: Don’t be afraid to lightly flour your work surface, rolling pin, and even dip your cookie cutters in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
Freezer Trick for Detailed Shapes: If you’re using super intricate cookie cutters, try popping the cut-out cookies (on their baking sheet) into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This really helps them keep those sharp edges!
Learning how to bake cookies like these is such a rewarding skill, and these tips will help you nail it every time.
These are fantastic year-round, but if you’re collecting Christmas cutout cookie recipes, this one is a definite keeper for the holidays!

I really hope you love making (and eating!) these cut out sugar cookies as much as my family and I do. They’re perfect for any occasion, or just because!

If you try this recipe, I’d be thrilled if you’d pin it or share it with your friends! Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cut Out Sugar Cookies:

What is the trick to cut out cookies?

Chilling the dough thoroughly is the biggest trick to prevent spreading and make cutting easier!

How to make sugar cookie mix into cut out?

While this recipe is from scratch, for a mix, you’d typically add an extra egg yolk or a bit more flour to make it sturdier for cutouts; always check the mix’s specific instructions for variations.