Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: Your Go-To Recipe for Festive Fun!

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📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

There’s something truly magical about a batch of homemade Cut-Out Sugar Cookies. They’re more than just a sweet treat; they’re a canvas for creativity, a memory in the making, and a delicious excuse to gather loved ones around the kitchen table. From holiday decorating parties to simple weekend baking, these cookies bring joy with every bite. This recipe yields perfectly tender, flavorful cookies that hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for all your decorating dreams, whether you’re using simple sprinkles or intricate Royal Icing designs. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sugar cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Forget crumbly, hard, or overly chewy cookies. This recipe is designed for perfection! You’ll adore these Cut-Out Sugar Cookies because they:

• **Hold Their Shape:** No more spreading! Your intricate cookie cutter designs will stay crisp and defined.
• **Are Perfectly Tender:** They’re soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth, never hard or dry.
• **Taste Incredible:** A balanced sweetness with a hint of vanilla that’s absolutely irresistible.
• **Are Easy to Decorate:** The smooth surface is perfect for any type of frosting, especially a vibrant Royal Icing.
• **Are Great for All Occasions:** From Christmas to birthdays, these are a crowd-pleaser for every celebration.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

How to Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling is crucial for preventing spread and ensuring your Cut-Out Sugar Cookies hold their shape.
6. Preheat Oven & Prep Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll, and cut more cookies.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden. Cookies should still look soft in the center.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, they are ready to be decorated with Royal Icing, sprinkles, or whatever your heart desires!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

• Don’t Skimp on Chilling: Chilling the dough is the secret weapon against spreading. Cold dough maintains its shape much better.
• Flour Lightly: Use just enough flour when rolling to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the cookies tough.
• Consistent Thickness: Aim for an even ¼-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
• Cool Completely Before Decorating: Warm cookies will melt your frosting! Patience is key here.
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavorings like almond extract or lemon zest in the dough!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special:

• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for an almond sugar cookie, or a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, spiced sugar cookie.
• Chocolate Dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate (white, milk, or dark) and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or sprinkles.
• Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or buttercream between two same-sized cookies.
• Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a station with various colors of Royal Icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and candies for a fun activity with kids or friends.
• Gift Giving: These cookies make beautiful and thoughtful homemade gifts for holidays, birthdays, or thank you’s.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why did my cookies spread?

A: The most common reasons for spreading are insufficient chilling time, dough that was too warm, or too much butter/not enough flour in the recipe. Ensure your dough is thoroughly chilled and your measurements are precise.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I store the baked cookies?

A: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Once decorated with Royal Icing, they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?

A: Yes, you can often substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend chilling the dough for a bit longer if using gluten-free flour, as it can be a bit stickier.

Final Thoughts

Baking Cut-Out Sugar Cookies is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a chance to get creative, share joy, and fill your home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. This recipe ensures success every time, delivering tender, shapely cookies perfect for any design you can dream up. So grab your cookie cutters, whip up some Royal Icing, and start creating delicious memories!

Recipe Note:

Prep time includes dough chilling. Actual hands-on time is about 45 minutes. Makes approximately 3-4 dozen cookies, depending on cookie cutter size.