Name: Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup sour cream

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If you’re on the hunt for the most melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, and delightfully pillowy cookies, you’re about to meet your new favorite: Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies. This recipe delivers cookies that are tender yet sturdy enough for all your decorative dreams, making them a year-round classic, from holiday gatherings to afternoon treats. Every bite is an ode to buttery softness, gentle vanilla notes, and the simple joy of baking and sharing something truly special.

Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies recipe keeps things easy with straightforward pantry staples, each one essential for the cookies’ irresistibly soft crumb, delicate flavor, and beautiful pale golden color. Don’t skip on quality—these classic ingredients are the secret to unforgettable cookies!

All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, providing just enough stability for rolling and cutting while keeping the cookies tender.
Baking powder: Adds a gentle lift and subtle airiness, contributing to the soft texture that sets these cookies apart.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens and balances the sweetness, ensuring no bland bites.
Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that creamy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth feel—be sure it’s at room temperature for the fluffiest outcome.
Granulated sugar: Classic white sugar gives just the right amount of sweetness and maintains the delicate crumb.
Large egg: Binds all the ingredients and adds extra richness for the perfect cookie texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery notes while adding warmth and depth to every bite.
Almond extract (optional): A hint of almond brings a cozy, nostalgic touch, but skip it if you prefer straight-up vanilla bliss.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient for incredible softness and a faint tang that makes the flavor pop.

How to Make Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking 30 seconds to mix these ensures your cookies bake up evenly with that signature softness. Set this aside while you prep the rest—organization is your best friend for stress-free baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they turn pale and super fluffy. This isn’t just for fun—whipping air into the mixture makes your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies impossibly tender and light. Don’t skimp; aim for at least 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. This step brings all the richness, and that glorious scent of vanilla starts to fill your kitchen. The optional almond extract gives your cookies an extra-special twist.

Step 4: Mix in the Sour Cream

Stir in the sour cream until fully combined. This may seem unusual, but it’s what makes these Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies ultra-soft, giving each bite a gentle, moist crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just incorporated—no overmixing! This keeps your cookies soft, not tough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap each in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. A cool dough makes rolling and cutting shapes a dream, plus it prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once chilled, roll out each disk on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Now comes the fun—grab your favorite cookie cutters and shape to your heart’s content. Remember, these cookies are sturdy but soft, so cut gently.

Step 8: Bake

Place your shaped cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn lightly golden. Keep a close eye; overbaking means less softness!

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Now’s the time to let your creativity shine—frost with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles galore! The soft, sturdy base is perfect for decorating.

How to Serve Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Classic royal icing, a sweep of buttercream, or a simple dusting of colored sugars elevate these cookies from delicious to dazzling. Try adding edible glitter, chocolate drizzles, or little candy pearls to match the season or celebration. The best part? Each Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie becomes your own edible masterpiece.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely alongside a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even a steaming cup of tea. Arrange them on a platter with fresh berries, or enjoy them as a sweet bite after a hearty brunch. Their gentle flavor is a winner with just about any comforting beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies into thoughtful gifts by stacking and tying them with a pretty ribbon, or place them in decorative tins for the perfect homemade surprise. For parties, let guests decorate their own cookies at a “cookie bar”—family fun guaranteed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh! Store cooled Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’ve decorated with buttercream, separate layers with parchment to avoid smudges.

Freezing

To freeze, layer undecorated cookies between parchment in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep their softness and delicious flavor for up to two months. You can also freeze the dough disks and bake fresh whenever the craving hits—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out.

Reheating

If you fancy a just-baked taste, warm cookies gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve their lovely softness. Frozen cookies should be thawed at room temperature before serving or decorating.

FAQs

Can I use this dough for intricate cookie cutter shapes?

Absolutely! This dough is designed to hold its shape while baking, making it fantastic for even the most detailed cookie cutters—just be sure to chill the dough well for crisp edges.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll out?

If the dough feels sticky, it probably needs more chilling. Try popping it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes, and dust your rolling pin and surface with a bit more flour if needed.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe, lending the same moistness and slight tang. Avoid skipping entirely, as it’s key for that signature softness!

How do I keep my Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough is essential, and using parchment-lined baking sheets helps, too. Avoid over-greasing baking pans, as excess fat can contribute to spreading.

Are these cookies good for decorating with kids?

Yes! Their sturdy yet soft texture stands up beautifully to all kinds of fun decorations—let little ones go wild with sprinkles, colored icing, and candy shapes for a memorable and delicious activity.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies is more than just making treats—it’s about filling your home with warmth, laughter, and the unbeatable aroma of sugar and vanilla. Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply craving a sweet bite, this recipe transforms every occasion into a little bit of magic. Give these cookies a try, and make every day a little sweeter!

Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are tender, buttery, and ideal for decorating with your favorite icing. This recipe yields delicious cookies that are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix in sour cream until combined.
Combine and Chill: Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Divide dough, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut: Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and place on baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate: Cool on sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.