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The Best Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape

A stack of freshly baked, golden-edged sugar cookie cutouts with a slightly textured top.
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Make classic, buttery sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy while holding their shape perfectly for decorating. This is your go-to recipe for flawless holiday cookies.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. 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, or up to 2 days. Chilling is key for no spread cookie dough.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts 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 thick cut sugar cookies, aim for 10 minutes.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Notes

  • For the best results when decorating, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape.
  • If you plan to frost these, use a simple royal icing or buttercream recipe.
  • This dough freezes well. Wrap chilled, unbaked cookies tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/best-sugar-cookie-dough-holds-shape/