Description
This Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe delivers soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape perfectly without spreading during baking. Featuring a rich vanilla flavor and a tender crumb, these cookies are perfect for decorating with a smooth, shiny, hardening sugar cookie frosting. A beloved holiday tradition for over 30 years, this recipe combines easy preparation with beautiful results, making it ideal for festive occasions and everyday treats alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (room temperature)
- 2 ½ tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes and ensure a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two room temperature eggs one at a time, then stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for preventing spreading and maintaining cookie shape during baking.
- Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them spaced apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden but the centers remain pale. This keeps the cookies soft yet fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and glossy. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency. If desired, add gel food coloring to tint the frosting.
- Decorate Cookies: Use a piping bag or knife to frost the cooled cookies. The frosting hardens to a shiny finish, perfect for detailed decorations and stacking.
Notes
- This recipe produces soft, chewy sugar cookies that do not spread, ideal for cut-out shapes and decorating.
- The frosting hardens with a beautiful shine, making it perfect for holiday decorations and gift-giving.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is critical to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, intense colors without altering the frosting consistency.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and maintain frosting shine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 111.3 kcal
- Sugar: 6.3 g
- Sodium: 89.9 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 27.1 mg
