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The Best Soft and Chewy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

A stack of freshly baked, slightly crinkled sugar cookies piled high on a light gray plate.
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This recipe delivers soft, chewy sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating. You get bakery-style results with simple steps, making them ideal for holidays or any sweet treat occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create the perfect cookie texture.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. 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. Chilling prevents the sugar cookies from spreading.
  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 your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. 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 lightly golden. For soft sugar 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 cut out sugar cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough thoroughly. If your kitchen is warm, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • If you are making holiday sugar cookies, you can add 1 teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla for a different flavor profile.
  • These are the best sugar cookies for decorating; allow them to cool completely before applying royal icing or buttercream.

Nutrition

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