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The Softest Cut-Out Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape for Decorating

A stack of four perfectly shaped, lightly golden sugar cookie rounds sprinkled with granulated sugar.
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This is the go-to recipe for classic, buttery sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy while holding their shape perfectly after baking. Make these easy cut-out sugar cookies for decorating during holidays or any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is key for no spread sugar cookies.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cut-out sugar cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. For thicker, soft sugar cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

  • For the best results when cutting shapes, chill your cookie cutters briefly before use.
  • If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  • This recipe works well with both royal icing and simple buttercream frosting for decorating.
  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-holds-shape/