Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ve landed in the right kitchen. I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy, while still making cookie cutters happy by holding their shape without spreading all over the place. Plus, the frosting is easy-peasy, tastes amazing, and dries to a glossy finish that’ll make your cookies look professionally decorated. Stick with me, and I’ll share tips that have been part of my family’s holiday baking tradition for 30 years — I promise, these cookies will become your new favorite, too!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe lives in its simple, reliable ingredients that come together perfectly. I like using real butter for flavor, and the right balance of flour and baking powder to keep the dough manageable and the cookies soft. Here’s what you’ll want to grab next time you bake:

• Salted Butter: Softened, not melted — this adds richness and tenderness with ease.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookie its classic sweet crunch and helps with that tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Both in the dough and frosting, it adds that warm, familiar flavor we all love.
• Large Eggs: At room temperature for better mixing and smooth dough consistency.
• All-purpose Flour: Provides the structure; be sure to measure it right (spoon and level) to avoid tough cookies.
• Baking Powder: Just enough to give a slight lift without puffing up too much.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors, especially important with salted butter.
• Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, sifted to ensure a silky, lump-free glaze.
• Milk: Adds moisture and the right consistency to the frosting; I use room temp so it blends easily.
• Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the frosting shiny and smooth, a little trick I picked up over the years!
• Gel Food Coloring (optional): Perfect if you want vibrant hues that don’t thin the frosting.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to switch up the flavors or tweak for dietary needs, feel free to get creative — that’s what makes this recipe so keeper-worthy!

• Flavor Add-Ins: I love adding a teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla during holidays — it gives cookies a festive twist that always wows.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. I tried this for a friend, and with a few extra minutes chilling, the dough behaved beautifully.
• Frosting-Free: If you prefer plain sugar cookies, just sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking — super simple and kid-friendly.
• Natural Colorings: If you’re vegan or avoiding food dyes, beet juice or matcha powder mixed into frosting can create pretty, subtle shades.

How to Make Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by beating your softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. I usually do this with a handheld mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. This step is key because it traps air that helps your cookies stay soft and not dense. Don’t rush it—patience pays off here!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps keep the dough smooth. Stir in vanilla extract for that classic sugary aroma you’ll recognize from every great cookie.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Gently

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. Over-mixing at this point can make cookies tough, so be gentle and stop as soon as the dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for Cleaner Cutouts

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. I’ve learned that this step is a game-changer — it calms the dough, making it easier to roll out thinly and cut without sticking, which leads to those crisp edges everyone loves.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters and place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or just until the edges start to turn golden—don’t overbake, or they lose that perfect chewiness.

Step 6: Prepare Quick, Shiny Frosting

While cookies cool, make the frosting by mixing sifted powdered sugar with milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. The corn syrup is the secret for that glossy, almost glass-like finish. Add gel food coloring if you want fun festive shades. If your frosting is too thick, stir in a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

Step 7: Decorate and Let Set

Use a small spatula or piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies. I like to let my decorated cookies sit uncovered for a few hours so the frosting hardens properly—this prevents smudges and keeps your cookies looking pristine when it’s time to share or gift them.

How to Serve Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with my garnishes—light dustings of edible glitter or a few sprinkles before the frosting sets add a festive touch. For more intricate designs, royal icing piping works wonders to add texture and that wow-factor you’re aiming for when sharing these beauties.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you want to serve them alongside something special, a hot cup of spiced cider, chai tea, or even a creamy hot cocoa is my favorite combo. The warm drinks balance the cookie sweetness and make for cozy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped bundles of 4-5 frosted cut out cookies tied with twine as last-minute gifts for neighbors and teachers. For holiday parties, I like arranging them on a festive platter with fresh evergreen sprigs or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that doubles as dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to keep decorations intact. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If I want to get ahead, I freeze the baked and decorated cookies on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. When thawed at room temperature, they taste just as fresh—this trick saves time magic during busy holidays.

Reheating

While these cookies don’t really need reheating, if you want that just-baked warmth, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or the frosting might soften too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe, I was amazed by how easy it was to get those perfect, picture-worthy results without frustrations. Over the years, it’s become a staple in my kitchen because it brings so much joy — whether I’m baking with my kids or prepping for special occasions. You’ll enjoy how forgiving the dough is and how stunning the finished cookies look and taste. So grab your cutters, invite your favorite people to join, and let’s make some sweet memories with these timeless homemade treats!

Print