If you’re on the hunt for a classic treat that combines simplicity, fun, and that perfect buttery crunch, you’ve got to try this Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are not only deliciously soft yet crisp around the edges, but they also offer endless opportunities for creativity with all the shapes you can cut and decorate. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon, or just because, these cutout sugar cookies bring warmth and joy to any kitchen experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect batch of cutout sugar cookies starts with a handful of simple, classic ingredients that come together to form the ideal dough. Every element plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and even the way your cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Shortening: Adds tenderness and helps the cookie keep a soft bite, perfect for cutting shapes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while creating a slight crunch on the edges.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness for a delightful texture.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
- Milk: Provides moisture and helps achieve a smooth dough consistency.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- Baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that gives your cookies just enough lift without puffing them up too much.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough that gives structure and keeps your cookies sturdy for cutting out designs.
How to Make Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Begin by mixing the shortening, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk in a large bowl until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step is where the magic starts and sets the stage for a rich, buttery dough that feels just right to the touch.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the salt and baking powder to the bowl and mix them in gently. Then, gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until the dough begins to come together. This part requires just the right amount of mixing to create a dough that’s firm enough to hold shapes but still easy to roll out.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight. This chilling step is essential — it helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting, and ultimately produces cookies that keep their shape beautifully while baking.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up, which will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to your desired thickness, usually about 1/4 inch is perfect. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes. Don’t worry if there’s leftover dough — simply re-roll and keep cutting until it’s all used up. This part is always a delightful chance to get creative in the kitchen.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place your cookie cutouts on the parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for a little expansion. Bake them in batches if necessary for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye here, as these cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a minute to firm up before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. After cooling, this is the fun part — decorating! Whether you opt for simple sprinkles or intricate icing designs, your cutout sugar cookies will be as beautiful as they are tasty.
How to Serve Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your cookies with colored sugar, edible glitter, or finely chopped nuts. Adding a delicate drizzle of royal icing or colorful frosting can transform these humble cookies into show-stopping treats for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Complement your sugar cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, a steaming mug of coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. These pairings not only enhance the flavor but also create a lovely moment to savor each bite, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a lively holiday gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your cutout sugar cookies a festive flair by arranging them in themed shapes on decorative platters or stacking them in pretty gift boxes tied with ribbon. They also make charming edible gifts that show thoughtfulness and add a personal touch to celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your cutout sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor, perfect for nibbling any time you want.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough either before or after baking. For dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months, thawing overnight in the fridge before rolling. For baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking, extending their shelf life nicely.
Reheating
Though sugar cookies are amazing at room temperature, if you want a freshly baked feel, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes just before serving. This gentle warming revives their soft, buttery goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of shortening in this Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but keep in mind that butter may spread more during baking, potentially changing the cookie shape slightly. Butter adds a richer flavor, so it’s a delicious option if you don’t mind a little less structure.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking is the key. Additionally, avoid using too much butter if you’re substituting for shortening, as fat type and temperature impact spreading.
What thickness should I roll the dough to for the best results?
Rolling your dough to about 1/4 inch thick is ideal. This thickness allows the cookies to bake evenly while holding their shape nicely and maintaining a pleasing texture between soft and crisp.
Can I make this Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use a plant-based shortening or margarine, replace eggs with flax eggs or another vegan substitute, and swap milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat. These changes will alter the texture slightly, but the cookies will still be tasty.
How long will these cookies keep their freshness once decorated?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, decorated sugar cookies typically stay fresh for up to one week. Keep icing thickness in mind; too thick can cause sogginess over time.
Final Thoughts
This Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe is a beloved kitchen classic for good reason: it’s straightforward, endlessly customizable, and simply delicious. Whether you’re baking with kids, making gifts, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies bring joy with every bite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the fun and flavor as much as I do. Happy baking!
Print
Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Cutout Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfect for decorating. Made with simple ingredients and chilled dough, they hold their shape well when baked, making them ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle in the salt and baking powder, mixing briefly to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a dough forms without overworking it.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375º F (190º C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and cut dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the chilled dough to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gather and reroll scraps to maximize dough usage.
- Bake cookies: Arrange the cutouts on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Bake in batches if necessary for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cookies to rest on the sheet for 1 minute after baking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired once fully cooled.
Notes
- Ensure dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and maintain cookie shape.
- For softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly; for crisper edges, bake the full 8 minutes.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to make clean removal easier.
- Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar once cookies are cool.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
