Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Update : November 28, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Cut out sugar cookies are a classic treat loved by both kids and adults. You can make them for holidays, birthdays, or just because you feel like baking. These cookies are fun to make and can easily be personalized. You can cut them into any shape you want, from hearts and stars to seasonal shapes like pumpkins or snowflakes. The options for decoration are also endless. You can use icing, sprinkles, or just enjoy them plain.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create delicious cookies that taste homemade. There’s also something special about baking cookies in your own kitchen. The smell of fresh cookies baking makes the whole house feel warm and inviting. It can be a great activity to do with family or friends. Even kids can get involved in cutting out shapes and decorating.

This recipe is also versatile. If you want to tweak it a bit to suit your tastes, you have that option. You can add flavors like almond extract to give the cookies a unique twist. You can also customize the thickness of the cookies or the baking time for a softer or crunchier cookie. So, if you’re looking for a delightful cookie recipe that is easy to make and full of fun, these cut-out sugar cookies will not disappoint!

How to Make Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

To make cut out sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
First, it’s time to get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheets. You can grease them lightly with butter or line them with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, you will mix your dry ingredients. Take the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together well. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt in the flour. Once mixed, set the bowl aside for now.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, you need to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step if you have one. Mix them until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process will take about 2-4 minutes. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the sugar and butter.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, you will add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you are using it) to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to combine the two mixtures. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix them gently until you have a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to come together.
Roll Out the Dough:
Dust a clean surface with some flour to keep the dough from sticking. Take your cookie dough and roll it out until it is about 1/4 inch thick. If you notice that the dough is sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour while rolling.
Cut Out Shapes:
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled-out dough. It’s fun to make different shapes! Once you cut out a shape, carefully place it on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure there is space between each cookie because they will expand a little while baking.
Bake the Cookies:
Now that your cookies are ready on the baking sheets, place them in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should stay soft.
Cool the Cookies:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This makes them easier to move. Then, gently transfer the cookies to wire racks so they can cool completely.
Decorate or Enjoy Plain:
Once the cookies have cooled, you can decorate them. Use icing, sprinkles, or any toppings you like. If you prefer, you can enjoy them plain as well. Either way, they will be delicious!

How to Serve Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Serving cut out sugar cookies is quite simple! These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them on a nice plate as a dessert after dinner or as a treat at a party. If you are having a gathering, consider arranging the cookies on a decorative tray for a beautiful presentation.

If you decorate your cookies, consider matching the colors and themes to the occasion. For example, use red and green decorations for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. You can also package them nicely in boxes or bags as gifts for friends and family.

Lastly, serve these cookies with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. The sweet cookies go well with a warm drink, making it a delightful snack any time of the day.

How to Store Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Storing cut out sugar cookies is easy and important for keeping them fresh. Once your cookies are completely cool, you can store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them soft and prevents them from getting hard.

If you have decorated cookies with icing, wait until the icing has dried completely before storing them. You can layer the cookies in the container with parchment paper between each layer to minimize sticking.

For longer storage, you can keep the cookies in the freezer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. It should be soft enough to cream easily but still hold its shape.
Chilling the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and cut out shapes.
Thickness Consistency: Try to roll your dough to an even thickness. This ensures that all the cookies will bake at the same rate.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Every oven is different, so check them a minute or two earlier to avoid overbaking.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, there are many variations to this cut-out cookie recipe. You can add different flavors such as lemon zest or orange zest for a fresh citrus taste. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

For a fun twist, consider using different types of extracts like coconut or peppermint, depending on the season. These small changes can give a new twist to your cut-out cookies without altering the basic recipe.

FAQs

Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use powdered sugar, but it may change the texture of the cookies. Using granulated sugar is usually the best choice for the right crunch and chewiness.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.

How can I decorate my cookies?

You can use royal icing, fondant, or simple sugar glaze to decorate your cookies. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugars are also fun ways to add flair and color!

Enjoy your baking adventure with these cut-out sugar cookies! With practice, you will find your favorite ways to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!

Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Author: jena
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and customizable cut out sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired, or enjoy plain.