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
Scale
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.
