The best (& easiest) Cutout Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of home baking right to your kitchen. Picture a sunlit afternoon, the air filled with the sweet aroma of butter and sugar melding together, forming the base of these delicious cookies. The moment you pull them from the oven, they shimmer with a golden hue, inviting you to indulge. Whether it’s a weekend baking project with your kids or preparation for a festive gathering, these cookies offer both simplicity and the joy of creativity. With their soft, tender texture and the ability to be shaped into any festive form, they are perfect for decorating or simply enjoying plain. Mastering this classic recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also enhance your baking skills, ensuring that you can recreate this artisan treat time and time again.

• Why This Recipe Is Worth Your Time
• Main Ingredients
• Tools Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Pro Tips for Perfect Cutout Sugar Cookies
• Serving Ideas and Pairings
• Variations and Swaps for Cutout Sugar Cookies
• Leftovers and Storage Tips
• Nutrition Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cutout Sugar Cookies

Why This Recipe Is Worth Your Time

The best (& easiest) Cutout Sugar Cookies strike a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. The craftsmanship involved in creating these cookies lies in the creaming of the butter and sugar, which not only contributes to the texture but also infuses the dough with flavor. This recipe emphasizes the importance of technique, allowing the cookie dough to chill before cutting, which provides cleaner lines and shapes. The addition of vanilla and a hint of lemon extract elevates the flavor profile, giving each bite a refreshing twist. Investing your time in this recipe is not just about making cookies; it’s about mastering a classic technique that results in artisan-quality treats that can be customized for any celebration.

Main Ingredients for the Best (& Easiest) Cutout Sugar Cookies

• Using quality ingredients is essential to achieving the best flavor and texture in your cutout sugar cookies. Here’s a closer look at each ingredient:
• 1 cup unsalted butter: The base of the cookies, contributing richness and a tender texture. Always use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• 1 cup granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies, allowing them to hold their shape during baking.
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile, making the cookies more aromatic.
• ⅛ teaspoon lemon extract: A subtle hint of citrus that brightens the sweetness, elevating the overall taste.

Tools Needed for the Best (& Easiest) Cutout Sugar Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best (& Easiest) Cutout Sugar Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. This method will guide you through creating the perfect cutout sugar cookies, ensuring that you enjoy the process as much as the result.

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set them aside. This step is crucial as it prepares the oven for even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Cream the mixture together on medium speed for 5 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key for soft cookies.
3. Incorporate the egg, salt, and flour into the mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as it can lead to tougher cookies.
4. Add the vanilla and lemon extracts, mixing until everything is well combined. The aromas should be inviting as the flavors meld together.
5. Divide the dough into two halves and roll each half between two sheets of parchment or wax paper to about ¼” thickness. This helps prevent sticking and makes rolling easier.
6. Chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Chilling firms up the butter, allowing for cleaner-cut shapes.
7. After chilling, use various cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Be imaginative with your shapes for different occasions.
8. Gather the scraps of dough, reroll them between the wax paper, and chill as necessary if the dough becomes too warm. The dough is easiest to manage when slightly chilled, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are just set. Look for a slight golden edge, but avoid over-baking.
10. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool completely before icing or enjoying them plain. Cooling is essential for the cookies to firm up.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cutout Sugar Cookies

• Always use room temperature butter for better creaming results.
• For cleaner edges, chill the dough longer if necessary, especially in warmer environments.
• Experiment with different cookie shapes and sizes to keep the baking experience fresh and fun.
• When rolling out dough, sprinkle a little flour on the parchment to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour to the dough.
• Consider using a toothpick to make small holes in the cookies; this can add a decorative touch and help them stay flat.
• If decorating, ensure cookies are completely cooled to prevent icing from melting.
• Don’t be afraid to double the recipe for larger gatherings; these cookies are always a hit!

Serving Ideas and Pairings

• Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
• Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Decorate with royal icing or colored sprinkles for festive occasions.
• Accompany with fruit preserves or jams for a delightful twist.
• Stack on a decorative plate for a beautiful presentation at parties.

Variations and Swaps for Cutout Sugar Cookies

Restaurant-Style Version

For a more gourmet touch, incorporate finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough. This adds texture and flavor, elevating your cookies to restaurant-quality treats.

Rustic Home-Cook Version

Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, rustic flavor. This variation can be perfect for autumn or winter celebrations.

Make-Ahead Version

Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. When ready to bake, just thaw and roll out. This is a great time-saver for busy bakers.

Seasonal Ingredient Version

Incorporate seasonal flavors by adding orange zest or peppermint extract, depending on the time of year. This keeps the cookies festive and aligned with seasonal celebrations.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• If you need to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.
• To reheat, place cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.
• For decorated cookies, allow the icing to harden before stacking them to prevent smudging.

Nutrition Notes

Each cookie contains approximately 80 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of protein. To adjust for different dietary preferences, consider using alternative sweeteners or whole grain flours without compromising the artisan quality of the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cutout Sugar Cookies

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The Ultimate Easy Cutout Sugar Cookies

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This irresistible the ultimate easy cutout sugar cookies is the perfect way to end any meal. Made with unsalted butter, granulated white sugar, and 1 large egg, it’s a sweet treat that will satisfy any dessert craving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon lemon extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar. Cream the mixture together on medium speed for 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate the egg, salt, and flour into the mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Add the vanilla and lemon extracts, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Divide the dough into two halves and roll each half between two sheets of parchment or wax paper to about ¼” thickness.
6. Chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
7. After chilling, use various cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Gather the scraps of dough, reroll them between the wax paper, and chill as necessary if the dough becomes too warm. The dough is easiest to manage when slightly chilled.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are just set.
10. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool completely before icing or enjoying them plain.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes