Name: Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 3 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the flavor outstanding); Royal Icing, Easy Glaze Icing, or Cookie Buttercream (royal icing is pictured); Assorted sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you’ve ever longed for that perfect balance between tender texture and fun shapes in your holiday baking, this Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are irresistibly soft, subtly sweet, and hold their classic cut-out shapes beautifully, making them ideal for decorating with colorful icings and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon treat, or a heartfelt gift, this recipe delivers a delightful cookie experience that’s both simple to make and absolutely scrumptious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three stages of making heart-shaped cookies on a white marbled surface. On the left, a clear glass bowl holds a ball of beige cookie dough with a red spatula sticking in it. On the top right, a sheet of dough is rolled out on white parchment paper with several heart shapes cut out, two heart-shaped metal cookie cutters rest on the dough and nearby. On the bottom right, a baking tray lined with an orange silicone mat contains rows of evenly spaced beige heart-shaped dough pieces, ready to bake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create these soft cut-out sugar cookies, you start with simple, everyday ingredients that work together to give you that tender crumb and mild sweetness you crave. Each component plays a crucial role whether it’s the flour providing structure or the butter ensuring softness and flavor.

All-purpose flour (2¼ cups / 281g): The foundation of any cookie, it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement to guarantee perfect texture.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough lift so the cookies remain soft without puffing up too much.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter (¾ cup / 170g), softened: Provides richness and tenderness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy beating.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150g): Sweetens the dough and helps create a lovely crumb.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture, contributing to softness.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warm, classic flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Almond extract (¼ teaspoon, optional): A splash of this elevates the flavor profile with a subtle nutty note, but it’s totally optional if you prefer a straightforward vanilla cookie.
Royal icing, easy glaze icing, or cookie buttercream: For decorating — pick your favorite and let your creativity shine!
Assorted sprinkles: Because every cookie deserves a bit of sparkle and fun.

How to Make Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning throughout your dough, which is the secret to that consistent texture and flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on high speed until the mixture turns light and creamy. This usually takes about three minutes—and it’s where the air gets incorporated to make your cookies soft and tender rather than dense.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, add the egg along with vanilla and almond extract (if using) to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat again on high speed for about a minute, making sure everything is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch all that deliciousness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—you want a soft dough that’s easy to roll but not sticky. If your dough feels too sticky, gently work in an extra tablespoon of flour until you get the right consistency.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion between lightly floured parchment papers to about ¼ inch thickness. Stack the dough sheets, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to two days. This step is crucial for keeping your cookie shapes crisp and clean when cutting.

Step 6: Cut Out Cookie Shapes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the top sheet of chilled dough carefully, then use your favorite cookie cutters to press out shapes. Don’t worry if it looks like you have little scraps left over—it’s worth rerolling those bits to make even more cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place your cut-outs on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about three inches apart. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are just lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which can harden these soft beauties.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, decorate with your chosen icing and sprinkles. Feel free to get creative with colors and designs—this is where the fun really begins!

How to Serve Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

A white round plate with colorful dots is filled with heart-shaped sugar cookies decorated with smooth icing layers in white, pink, and light blue colors. Some hearts have a single thick layer of icing, while others have a sparkly pink sugar sprinkle layer on top, adding texture and shine. The cookies are stacked and overlapping, creating a full look. Around the plate, there are more cookies with similar icing and pink sugar sprinkles scattered on a white marbled surface, along with a small plastic container tipped over with pink sugar spilling out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles, edible glitter, or finely chopped nuts make wonderful garnishes on these cookies. They add a bit of personality and texture, making each cookie feel like a miniature work of art. Using colored sugars can also enhance the festive vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft cut-out sugar cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or even a creamy latte for the perfect cozy treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your cookie experience into dessert territory.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your decorated cookies on a tiered platter for an eye-catching display at a party, or stack them in clear gift boxes tied with a ribbon for thoughtful handmade gifts. You can also string them with ribbon to hang as edible decorations on a holiday tree or centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, perfect if you want to bake in advance but still have that just-baked taste.

Freezing

This Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe dough freezes beautifully! Wrap the dough tightly after rolling or forming it into logs, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cutting and baking, saving you time on busy days.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their freshly baked softness, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to restore that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. The salt in the butter adds some seasoning, but it’s best to adjust to your taste.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

No worries! Almond extract is optional and only adds a subtle, nutty hint. The cookies will still taste amazing with just vanilla extract, which is a classic and beloved flavor combination.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least two hours is key to preventing excessive spread. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar which can add too much air to the dough.

Can I decorate these cookies without royal icing?

Absolutely! Easy glaze icing or buttercream work wonderfully as well—each creates a different finish and flavor, so pick whatever matches your style and preference.

Are these cookies suitable for shipping as gifts?

Yes! Once decorated icing has fully set, these cookies hold up nicely for gifting or shipping. Just pack them carefully with cushioning to prevent breakage during transit.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it combines a soft texture with classic cut-out designs that make holiday baking feel special and fun. Give it a try, and you’ll discover just how easy it is to create beautiful, delicious cookies that bring joy to your kitchen and to everyone you share them with.