Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies

Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies: A Deliciously Nostalgic Treat

Soft cutout sugar cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who adores classic desserts. These cookies transport you back to childhood memories of baking in the kitchen, rolling out dough, and cutting out shapes to decorate with endless sprinkles. The buttery aroma wafts through your home, filling your heart with warmth and your taste buds with anticipation. Each bite of these soft, delicately sweet cookies is a reminder of joyous days spent with loved ones, making it worth every second in the kitchen. Fast to prepare and kid-friendly, these cookies can easily become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Can you remember the last time you bit into a soft cookie that instantly took you back to your childhood?

Imagine the feeling of biting into a freshly baked cookie crumbling softly in your mouth, evoking sweet nostalgia and a sense of comfort. What if you could create that memory for your kids or friends? Picture beautiful cookie shapes adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles, ready to be devoured during celebrations or simple family moments. Every bite tells a story, connecting generations through homemade sweetness. Are you ready to dive into the delightful world of soft cutout sugar cookies?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best parts about this soft cutout sugar cookie recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that pleases both kids and adults alike.

• Easy Prep: You don’t need to be a baking expert to ace this recipe.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a birthday party or a cozy family gathering, these cookies are always a hit.
• Versatile: Customize them to your heart’s content with various shapes and decorations for different occasions.
• Minimal Ingredients: With pantry staples, you can bake these soft, sugary delights on a whim.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: For a light and fluffy rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A necessary ingredient for that soft, tender crumb.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to incredibly rich and buttery flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This will sweeten the dough to delicious perfection.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and enrich the taste.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds that beloved classic cookie aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): A lovely twist to enhance the cookie flavor.
• Royal icing for decorating: Bright, sweet, and oh-so-appealing.
• Assorted sprinkles for decorating: Because who can resist shiny, colorful sprinkles?

Timing

These soft cutout sugar cookies can be both fast indulgence and leisurely comfort. With just over an hour of prep time, you can have a delicious batch ready for baking and decorating. However, if you wish to elevate the experience, let the dough chill for a little longer. This resting period allows flavors to meld, resulting in a more delicious end product. Whether you’re in a rush or savoring the baking process, these cookies fit beautifully into your schedule.

Step-by-Step

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should turn pale and creamy, filled with air.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until it’s all well-combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be cautious and avoid overmixing, as you want soft cookies, not tough ones!
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
8. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, unleash your creativity and decorate with vibrant royal icing and a sprinkle explosion that’s sure to make your heart sing!

Nutritional Information

While each soft cutout sugar cookie is a delightful indulgence, they come with about 140 calories per cookie. It’s essential to savor the sweetness and not feel guilty for treating yourself! Remember that it’s okay to indulge every now and then. The joy these cookies bring is worth every calorie.

Healthier Alternatives

Want a lighter version of this classic treat? Here are some swaps to consider:

• Low-sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to cut down on sugar.
• Dairy-free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Whole grain: You can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber.

Serving Suggestions

These soft cutout sugar cookies shine during special holidays. Enjoy them as decadent treats at Christmas, Easter, or birthdays. Want to impress your guests? Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful juxtaposition of flavors and textures. They also make excellent party favors when beautifully packaged!

Common Mistakes

Baking can be finicky; here are some common pitfalls to avoid for that perfect soft cutout sugar cookie:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from becoming too hard. Pull them from the oven when the edges are just golden.
• Texture issues: If you find your cookies too tough, it might be because you overmixed the dough or overbaked them. Mix gently and follow baking times closely.
• Messes: A floured surface can help prevent sticking, but be cautious not to over-flour your dough as this can result in dry cookies.

Storing Tips

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-lasting enjoyment, freeze the cookies. Get them ready by following these steps:

1. Layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container.
2. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. When ready to enjoy, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

With their soft texture and nostalgic flavor, soft cutout sugar cookies are the ultimate baking project. So why not embrace the joy of baking and create these delightful treats? Your taste buds—and those you share the cookies with—will thank you for it!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes! You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

2. What can I use instead of royal icing?
   You can use buttercream frosting or even melted chocolate for decorating your cookies.

3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   Look for slightly golden edges, and the centers should appear slightly underbaked, as they will firm up while cooling.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

5. What if my cookies are spreading too much?
   This can happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling it for longer before rolling out, or ensure your butter is not too soft.