Looking for the perfect sugar cookie recipe for cut-out cookies? Look no further! This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The cookies have a perfect balance of flavors, not too sweet but just right.
- The dough is easy to work with, making it great for creating fun shapes and designs.
- These cookies are perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredient Notes:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
- Butter, softened to room temperature: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them hold their shape.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a classic vanilla flavor to the cookies.
- Almond extract: Provides a hint of almond flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough, then roll it out and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out for easier handling.
- Use cookie cutters dipped in flour to prevent sticking and ensure clean cuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Substitute almond extract with other flavor extracts for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.
Serving Suggestions:
These sugar cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavor? Yes, you can use any extract of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- How long do the cookies need to cool before decorating? Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding icing or decorations.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for the best flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the best sugar cookie recipe for cut-out cookies, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try out this recipe and share your feedback with us – we’d love to hear how they turned out!
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Best Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut-Out Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This sugar cookie recipe yields the perfect dough for cut-out cookies, making it ideal for decorating and creating fun shapes. With a buttery and sweet taste, these cookies are a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can chill the dough for 1-2 hours before rolling and cutting for easier handling.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars for a festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
