Perfect CutOut Sugar Cookies

Perfect Cutout Sugar Cookies

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Preparation time:80 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:24-36 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3g) salt

Instructions:

• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
• Form the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or preferably longer).
• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Keep the other disc chilled.
• Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
• Place on Baking Sheets: Transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about ½ inch of space between each cookie.
• Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch carefully; they burn easily!
• Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Decorate (Optional): Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	120 calories
Fat	6g
Fiber	0g

Recipe Info

Category	Dessert
Cuisine	American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving a Christmas Classic?

Ever get that real hankering for a taste of Christmas past? Well, this cutout sugar cookie recipe is your ticket.

Honestly, nothing beats that sweet, vanilla-y goodness, especially when you can decorate them all fancy.

Brief Overview: Back to Basics and Beyond

These are perfect Xmas cookies and aren't just festive treats, though. They're edible memories, spanning generations! This easy sugar cookie recipe is a medium level bake, taking about 1.

5 hours plus chilling. The recipe makes roughly 24-36 cookies, depending on your cutter sizes.

Main Benefits: Beyond the Sugar Rush

The best bit is that you are in control with your dough. Knowing what goes in it is so much better for you and it can also be tons of fun for all parties involved.

These perfect sugar cookies are ideal for Christmas parties, school bake sales, or just a cozy night in. The vanilla and the blank canvas to express creativity makes these special, and they hold their shape after baking.

Right, ready to get started? Let's get cracking on the ingredients for the best vanilla sugar cookie recipe you will ever try.

And trust me, with some amazing sugar cookie decorating ideas , you can elevate these humble cookies into absolute masterpieces.

The best sugar cookie recipe are not far away!.

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, let's talk ingredients for the best sugar cookie recipe ! You know, the kind that actually hold their cute little shapes? No spreading disasters here, mate!

Main Players

For these scrummy cutout sugar cookies , you'll need:

• 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter, softened. Key here is softened , not melted. Think spreadable, not oily.
• ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar. Ordinary white sugar does the trick.
• 1 large egg. Free range if you're feeling fancy.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract. Go for the good stuff; it makes a difference. Quality vanilla adds a lovely warmth, you know?
• 2 ½ cups (315g) of all-purpose flour. Plain flour, nothing special.
• 1 teaspoon (4g) of baking powder. Helps keep 'em light and airy.
• ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt. Balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Quality indicators? Honestly, the butter is the big one. Use a decent brand for the best flavour.

Seasoning Secrets

For that classic vanilla sugar cookie recipe flavour:

• Vanilla extract is a must. It's what gives these cookies that lovely, subtle sweetness.
• A pinch of salt is essential. Don't skip it. It enhances all the other flavours.
• Feeling adventurous? Add a little lemon zest for a zingy twist.

If you're out of vanilla (oh my gosh, the horror!), a little almond extract works as a substitute. But go easy on it; it's stronger.

Kit Required

Right, what bits and bobs do you need for these Xmas cookies ? Nothing too wild:

• An electric mixer. Stand mixer is ideal, but a hand held one will do the job.
• A large mixing bowl. For all that mixing action.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Precision is key!
• A rolling pin. For getting that perfect thickness.
• Cookie cutters. Choose your favourite shapes! These are perfect sugar cookies for any occasion.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Stops the cookies from sticking.
• Baking sheets. Obviously!
• A wire rack. For cooling those beauties.

Don't have baking mats? Greaseproof paper is a great alternative. No electric mixer? Elbow grease will work just fine, though it might take a bit longer.

Christmas cooking is about tradition, and who cares if its a little manual labour!

Nailin' the Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe : It's All About the Chill, Mate!

Oh my gosh, where do I even start? The best sugar cookie recipe is a right of passage. Every baker needs one.

This shape retaining sugar cookies recipe, though? It's next level! I've made countless batches, and I'm spilling all my secrets. Honestly, even a disaster in the kitchen can teach you something.

This one is worth your time. Let's get baking some Xmas cookies !

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first, get your ducks in a row. We are talking about the essential mise en place. Measure out 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) of softened butter and ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar .

Then, crack 1 large egg and grab 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract . In another bowl, measure 2 ½ cups (315g) of all-purpose flour , 1 teaspoon (4g) of baking powder , and ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt .

Organisation is key! Safety is important too. Don't let the kids near the oven without supervision.

Step-by-Step: Cookie Magic!

Right, let's get to it!

1. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Whisk the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
5. Divide dough in half, flatten, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour .
6. Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
7. Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters!
8. Bake for 8- 12 minutes , until lightly golden.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Baking

Want to really impress? Chill the dough longer. It is essential for cookies that hold their shape. Common mistake: overbaking.

Watch them like a hawk. For a cheeky shortcut, you can make the dough a day ahead and chill it overnight.

This vanilla sugar cookie recipe will be your go-to. Perfect sugar cookies are within reach. And you'll have plenty of sugar cookie decorating ideas .

This really is an easy sugar cookie recipe , honest! Have fun with your Christmas cooking !. Don't forget to check our sugar cookie icing recipe.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe

Right, so you're gonna tackle this cutout sugar cookie recipe . Awesome! But before you preheat the oven, let's chew the fat about a few things to make sure you end up with cookies worthy of Bake Off .

Honestly, these notes are just as important as the ingredients. They will help you make the best sugar cookie recipe .

Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Bakes!

Presentation matters. Think beyond just plopping them on a plate. Arrange your Xmas cookies artfully on a tiered stand. Dust them with a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Honestly, it makes all the difference. For drinks, a classic pairing is milk. Maybe some mulled wine for a grown-up festive vibe.

I like serving mine with a small cup of Italian espresso. So cute!

Storage Tips: Keep 'em Fresh!

Refrigerate your cookies for up to five days in an airtight container. You know, one of those Tupperware jobs. This will prevent them from going stale.

To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of baking paper. This stops them from sticking together. They'll keep for up to three months! When you're ready to scoff them, let them thaw at room temperature.

I like to leave them out for about an hour. Reheating isn't really necessary unless you fancy a warm cookie.

Don't, they won't taste the same.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to switch things up? For a dairy free version, use a block margarine instead of butter. It does the trick.

For a bit of seasonal pizzazz, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough during winter or a sprinkle of lavender in the spring.

Simple, yet effective! A Gluten free version can be achieved by substituting a 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat

Let's be real. This easy sugar cookie recipe isn't exactly a health food, but it’s all about balance, isn’t it? Each cookie (sans icing) clocks in at roughly 120 calories.

It's got some carbs from the sugar and flour. It also got some fats from the butter. But hey, it's a treat, innit? Plus, the vanilla vanilla sugar cookie recipe extract might have some antioxidant properties.

Though, honestly , I think that’s just me trying to justify having another one.

There you have it! My top tips for rocking this cutout sugar cookie recipe . Go on, have a bash, and remember, baking is all about having fun.

If they don't come out perfect, who cares? You can always smother them in icing and nobody will know. If you want to have some sugar cookie decorating ideas just search a little online and you will feel inspired! Enjoy!