There's just something magical about a buttery sugar cookie, especially when it's been rolled, cut into cute shapes, and baked until golden on the edges! These Cut Out Sugar Cookies are everything you want: soft in the center, crisp around the edges, and packed with rich, buttery flavor!
Whether you're baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just because Tuesday called for cookies, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again. It's easy to work with, tastes incredible, and holds its shape beautifully. Let's grab those cookie cutters and get rolling!
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What makes sugar cookies irresistible
You know those sugar cookies that look cute but taste… kinda meh? Yeah, not these. These cut-out sugar cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a rich, buttery flavor that actually makes you want to eat the cookie and the frosting!
The dough is soft and smooth, yet sturdy enough to hold all your favorite shapes-no spreading into mystery blobs. They're the kind of cookie that gets passed around and instantly followed by, "Wait, did you make these? I need this recipe!"
Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cookie sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 cups salted butter, room temperature (two sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons. baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees F., and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer for 2 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the sides as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix well until combined.
- Slowly add the flour and baking powder, mixing on low speed at first, then gradually increase to a medium speed until a thick dough is formed. Do not over-mix!
- Place the dough onto a floured surface, and using the rolling pin, roll the dough to ½ inch thickness.
- Cut the dough using your desired cookie cutters. Carefully transfer the cut-outs to the prepared baking sheet using a spatula.
- Bake at 350-degrees F. for 7-10 minutes until the centers have slightly risen, and the cookies are no longer glossy. *If you would like a crunchier cookie, bake slightly longer until the edges begin to brown.*
- Remove cookies from the oven, and allow them to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before removing and transfering to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with your favorite sugar cookie icing and sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Cut out sugar cookie ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes! This dough loves a good nap in the fridge. You can make it up to 3 days in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to roll. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Nope! That's the magic of this recipe. As long as your dough is chilled before baking, your snowmen won't turn into sad little puddles.
You can go classic with buttercream or use royal icing if you're feeling fancy. A simple glaze works too. And if all else fails? Sprinkles fix everything. 🤣 Seriously though, I firmly believe that's true!
These are delicious, chewy cutout cookies.
Deb's top tips
Keep the dough chilled-it's easier to roll, easier to cut, and helps your cookies hold their shape. Flour your rolling pin and surface, but not too much or you'll dry out the dough.
Re-roll the scraps gently (once or twice max), and if you're decorating, make sure the cookies are fully cooled before adding icing. And hey, if one breaks? That's a taste test cookie. Chef's rules!
More Christmas cookies and treats
If you're a cookie fan (and really, who isn't?), you'll also love my Santa Hat Brownies - bright, festive, and totally fun. My Reindeer Oreo Pops are another holiday hit, perfect for cookie swaps and kid-approved.
And don't miss my Peanut Brittle Recipe. Microwave magic that tastes like Grandma made it!
And don't forget for all the cookies and treats, there's an entire category devoted to the holiday. You'll find what you're looking for here!
Wrapping it up (or frosting them maybe!)
These buttery cut out sugar cookies are a holiday must, but honestly, they're too good to save for just once a year. This is a tried-and-true dough you'll use for birthdays, baby showers, and rainy afternoons when only a cookie will do.
Bake a batch, share a few (or don't!), and be sure to save this recipe, it's a keeper!
Jean M says
Reading this at 8:15 in the morning. No coffee or bagel yet so they look delicious! Been planning to make some cookies and your Biscoff Fudge is already been put on the list. I have out of state grandbabies coming, so Christmas cookies will make them happy ( along with the few I taste test my tummy will be happy too)
Debra Clark says
Now that’s the kind of breakfast reading I can get behind! I love that the fudge made it onto your holiday list—your grandbabies are in for such a sweet visit, and I fully support all quality-control taste tests along the way. 😉 Have so much fun baking for them, and I hope this one brings big smiles all around!
Debra Black says
these are my very favorite cookie, however, somehow, they never quite make it to the decorating table! Thanks for sharing the decorated version
Debra Clark says
I completely get that—some cookies never stand a chance of surviving long enough to be decorated! 😋 That’s half the fun, right? I’m glad the decorated version gave you a little inspiration, though. Thanks for stopping by and baking along with me!
Sherlyn Fischer says
I'm an experienced baker and candy maker, but I've never made cut out cookies - your recipe sounds like exactly what I need - great instructions! Thank you!
Debra Clark says
Sheryln, I think it's time to break out your rolling pin! I bet your cookies will be amazing. I can't wait to hear what you think!!
Carol says
I enjoy a good sugar cookie this recipe looks very tempting, wish I had the talent to ice them. I guess I just need to jump in and try. Maybe after Christmas when I am not rushed and take my time.
Debra Clark says
Oh Carol, I feel your pain! Notice how mine are just frosted and use sprinkles 🤣. I'm just not that talented, LOL! Enjoy the cookies, they are so buttery and delicious!
Sue says
Have made all different types of cookies over the years, but never tried making the cut-out variety. Found a whole bunch of cookie cutters mixed in with all my assorted small kitchen gadgets, they've been there for decades. Maybe now's the time to finally use them for this sugar cookie recipe. Next time the grandkids come over, I'll bake them and leave them plain and then they can decorate however they want. Kids get bored quickly and I'm sure this will keep them occupied for quite a while.
Debra Clark says
Oh the kids will have fun with these Sue!! What a treat you will all have doing this together!
Karen says
Every Christmas I make about 5 batches of cutouts. Its a lot of work and then the kids and grandkids all come over and we spend the day frosting and decorating. Good times and lots of memories made over the years.
Debra Clark says
Foodie memories are the BEST Karen, thanks for sharing! Have fun making cookie making with the kiddos!
Colleen says
Old family favorite.
Growing up mom and myself would spend most of the day baking and decorating cut-out sugar cookies.
Besides using the vanilla and almond extract we would use lemon extract. Just nice to have a different flavor every now and then.
Blessings to you and your family
Debra Clark says
Oooh, I love your tip Colleen, thanks so much for sharing! I will have to try that myself. Many thanks!