Holiday Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Classic sugar cookies ideal for cutting festive shapes and decorating. Buttery, tender, and perfect for celebrations.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

→ Decorating

09 - Royal icing or powdered sugar glaze
10 - Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar
11 - Edible decorations

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the creamed mixture, blending until evenly combined.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
08 - Cut dough into festive shapes using floured cookie cutters. Place cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookie edges are just turning golden.
10 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or powdered sugar glaze and add sprinkles or edible decorations as desired. Allow icing to set before storing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to shape and decorate with kids
  • Dough can be made ahead for simple planning
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients everyone has on hand
  • Ideal for swapping flavorings to suit any celebration
02 -
  • This recipe makes cookies that hold their shape extremely well in the oven
  • Unbaked dough can be refrigerated for two days or frozen for up to two months
  • Almond extract adds a subtle richness but is completely optional
  • Holiday decorating means everyone can personalize their treat
03 -
  • Let butter come fully to room temperature before creaming to ensure an evenly mixed dough
  • Chill cut dough shapes on the tray for five minutes before baking to keep edges sharp
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing that does not thin out your glaze

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