Print

The Best Soft Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe That Holds Its Shape

Close-up of four soft, golden sugar cookie rounds sprinkled with sugar on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This is the classic, reliable recipe for soft sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly after baking, making them ideal for cutting out and decorating for holidays or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 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.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is key for shape retention.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts 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 softer cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  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

  • For the best results when decorating, use a simple royal icing or a thick buttercream frosting. Allow the cookies to cool completely before applying any icing.
  • If you want extra thick, bakery style sugar cookies, roll the dough to 3/8 inch thickness and increase the baking time by 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Chilling the dough is essential for these cutout sugar cookies to prevent spreading.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-soft-cutout/