Perfect Soft Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies Cutout Recipe
Tender and buttery old fashioned sugar cookies that stay soft and hold their shape perfectly, ideal for holidays and everyday treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients separately: In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. If dough softens, chill for 10 minutes.
- Cut out shapes using floured cookie cutters and place cookies about 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use room temperature butter and eggs for best texture. Do not overbake; cookies firm up as they cool. Flour cookie cutters to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend. For vegan, use vegan butter and flax egg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Protein: 1
Keywords: soft sugar cookies, old fashioned sugar cookies, cutout cookies, holiday cookies, easy sugar cookies, buttery cookies