Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
The origins of sugar cookies trace back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, USA, where German settlers crafted a simple yet delightful recipe called the Nazareth Cookie.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Royal icing or buttercream frosting
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the DoughCombine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the DoughDivide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk.Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the dough is firm enough to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
- Roll and CutPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the CookiesBake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional)Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, buttercream frosting, or sprinkles. Get creative with colors and designs to match your theme.