Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a tender, buttery texture with a hint of almond and vanilla. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they hold their shape well and bake to golden edges while staying soft inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to be added later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes and ensures a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing gently. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the cookie dough into two halves and shape each into a disc. Wrap the discs securely in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up and improves the cookie texture and shape retention during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll each disc of dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. This ensures the cookies remain soft but develop a slight crispness on the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows residual heat to finish the baking gently.
Notes
- For best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted before creaming.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing cookie spread and maintaining shape.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy clean-up and to avoid sticking.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles as desired once fully cooled.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
