Cut Out Sugar Cookies

cut out sugar cookie iced with flower decoration

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Cut Out Sugar Cookies

The best no chill cut-out sugar cookie recipe, perfect for decorating! Buttery, soft, and lightly sweet. Enjoy them plain or ice them. Great for holidays or anytime.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cut out sugar cookies, Sugar Cookie recipe, sugar cookies for decorating

Servings: (3-inch cookies)

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup salted butter , cold & cut into cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
sugar cookie icing , for a simple glossy glaze or fancier decorating
sugar cookie frosting , for spreading or piping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together the flour and baking powder, set aside.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Blend in the egg and both extracts. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl, as needed, including the bottom.
The dough will be crumbly, so knead it together with your hands as you scoop it out of the bowl until it comes together.
Roll on a floured surface to about 1/4" to 3/8" thick, and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
Place on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart and then transfer to the freezer for 10 minutes, while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until just barely golden on the bottoms. Watch them carefully and don’t over-bake.
Let sit for a few minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before icing.
Enjoy plain or decorate and allow to set (usually 3 hours or overnight) before stacking.
NOTE: Don't miss all the tips in the full article for optimal results and watch the video for visual help.

Video

Nutrition