Description
Classic cut-out sugar cookies with a tender, buttery texture that are perfect for decorating and sharing. These cookies are easy to make and come together with simple ingredients, offering a delightful vanilla and almond flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring well, then set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes several minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla and almond extracts and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until all ingredients are incorporated to form the dough.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough evenly into two parts, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days to firm up the dough.
- Roll out and cut shapes: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and let it soften slightly at room temperature until workable. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Arrange and bake: Place the cut-out dough shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
- Cool and decorate: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or decorating as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- You can store unbaked dough wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
- Decorate fully cooled cookies with your favorite frosting or royal icing for a festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
