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Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape for Decorating

A stack of perfectly shaped, golden-brown sugar cookie rounds with crimped edges resting on a white plate.
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This is my go-to recipe for the best sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy while holding their shape perfectly after baking. You can easily cut out shapes for holiday decorating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for texture.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling prevents spreading.
  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. Cut out your desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  8. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. For soft cookies, do not overbake.
  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 the rolled-out dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before placing it in the oven.
  • If you plan to use royal icing, wait until the cookies are completely cool.
  • This recipe makes classic sugar cookies perfect for holiday baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-soft-cut-out/