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The Best Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape

A tempting stack of freshly baked, golden sugar cookie treats piled high on a light plate.
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You need a reliable recipe for classic sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating. This easy, buttery recipe creates soft, thick cut-out sugar cookies that hold their shape during baking, making them ideal for any celebration or holiday.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is key for soft sugar cookies.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll out.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This thickness helps create bakery style sugar cookies.
  8. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cut-out sugar cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. For cookies that hold their shape, avoid overbaking.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for these no spread sugar cookies. If your kitchen is warm, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • For the best results when decorating, use a stiff royal icing or a thick buttercream frosting.
  • If you want chewy sugar cookies, slightly underbake them by 1 minute.

Nutrition

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