If you’re looking for the perfect sugar cookie recipe for cutouts, you’ve come to the right place! These sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully when baked—ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or just enjoying as they are. Whether you’re making holiday cookies, birthday treats, or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-have in your baking collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sugar cookie recipe is:
- Perfect for cutouts – The dough holds its shape well without spreading.
- Soft and buttery – A perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Great for decorating – Ideal for royal icing, buttercream, or simple sugar toppings.
- Easy to make – A simple, no-fuss recipe that even beginners can master.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is great for:
- Home bakers who want a reliable cutout cookie recipe.
- Parents baking with kids—get creative with fun shapes!
- Holiday bakers looking for a go-to sugar cookie recipe.
- Anyone who loves decorating cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon milk
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk and mix for another 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Lightly flour a parchment-lined surface and roll out the dough to about ⅓-inch thick.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake larger cookies for 9-10 minutes and smaller cookies for 6-7 minutes, or until edges are set but not browned.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough – If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Don’t overbake – The cookies should be set but not golden brown to keep them soft.
- Use quality vanilla extract – The flavor makes a big difference in simple recipes like this.
- Flour your rolling pin – This helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Store undecorated cookies for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- Dough Storage: Freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out.
Variations & Substitutions
- Almond-flavored cookies: Replace 1 teaspoon of vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Lemon sugar cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and milk with almond or oat milk.
Best Pairings
- Hot drinks: Pair these cookies with hot cocoa, coffee, or chai tea.
- Frostings: Use royal icing, cream cheese frosting, or a simple glaze.
- Ice cream sandwiches: Use these cookies to make delicious ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for 2 months. Let it come to a rollable consistency before cutting out shapes.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Make sure to measure ingredients correctly and chill the dough if necessary. Too much butter or warm dough can cause spreading.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, use royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles to decorate.
What’s the best way to get even thickness when rolling the dough?
Use rolling pin guides or wooden dowels to ensure uniform thickness.
Conclusion
These sugar cookies for cutouts are a must-have recipe for any baker! Whether you’re making them for holidays, birthdays, or just a fun treat, they’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for decorating. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more amazing baking recipes!
Happy Baking! 🍪🎉
