If you are craving a delightful, festive treat that brings out your inner baker, this Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are not only irresistibly sweet and buttery with a perfect tender crunch, but they also invite endless creativity with their colorful icing—making them ideal for all kinds of celebrations or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies come together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that will have you feeling accomplished and ready to impress friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic sugar cookie color that looks as good as it tastes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to the cookies for a tender yet firm bite.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right amount of lift to keep cookies soft and delicate.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness while balancing flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich flavor and tenderness, so it’s important to use butter at room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Delivers that warm, familiar flavor we all love in sugar cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty note for those wanting an extra layer of flavor complexity.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing): The base for smooth, sweet icing that’s perfect for decorating.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts icing consistency to your preference, whether you want it thick or spreadable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Adds depth and keeps the icing bright in flavor.
- Food coloring (optional): Lets you customize your cookies with festive or seasonal colors to match any occasion.
How to Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl — this dry mixture ensures your cookies have the perfect crumb without being tough. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until everything forms a soft dough that’s easy to handle.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial because it firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking or losing form.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Shapes
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Grab your favorite cookie cutters—hearts, stars, animals, whatever sparks joy—and press them into the dough to cut out shapes. Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for even spacing so they bake uniformly.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye as baking times can vary; you’re looking for just a hint of golden edges. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk amount to reach your desired consistency—thicker icing for piping detailed decorations or thinner for easy spreading. Add food coloring to separate bowls if you want multiple vibrant colors for decorating.
Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies
Now comes the best part: have fun with your creativity! Use piping bags or a small spoon to adorn each cookie with icing. Let your imagination run wild with patterns, shapes, and color combinations. Allow the icing to set before stacking or storing your masterpieces.
How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your iced cookies with colored sugar, edible glitter, or small sprinkles to add extra sparkle and texture. These subtle touches elevate the visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these sugar cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, a frothy latte, or a glass of cold milk. The rich cookie flavor complements hot or cold beverages perfectly, creating an inviting snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking cookies in clear jars tied with ribbon for gifts, arranging them on decorative platters for parties, or layering them between parchment paper to create a charming cookie box. Presentation adds an element of excitement and care that anyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful icing designs.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the undecorated baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely before icing. For already decorated cookies, freeze them individually on a tray and then wrap well to avoid damage.
Reheating
While sugar cookies are typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to bring out their buttery aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the icing too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is best for these cookies because it creates the perfect balance of softness and structure. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flour will alter the texture and may require adjustments in liquid or baking time.
Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you want a subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, simply omit it without sacrificing cookie quality.
How long do the iced sugar cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about a week. The icing helps seal in moisture, keeping them soft and tasty longer.
Can I prepare the dough or cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, and the cookies can be baked in advance and frozen. Just make sure to decorate the cookies after thawing so the icing stays fresh.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough is key. The cold dough holds its shape better when baked, allowing crisp edges and a defined cut-out shape. Also, avoid adding too much butter or using a very warm oven.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe are truly a joy to make and share. From the satisfying process of rolling and cutting the dough to the playful decorating stage, every moment is filled with warmth and creativity. Whether you’re making them for holidays, birthday celebrations, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories to your kitchen. Give them a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a classic treat made with a soft buttery dough that holds shape perfectly for decorating. They are topped with a smooth vanilla icing that can be tinted with food coloring for festive designs. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a fun and delicious cookie to decorate and enjoy.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling.
- Roll out dough and cut shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire racks before decorating.
- Prepare the icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk to achieve desired consistency for spreading or piping.
- Decorate the cookies: Divide icing into smaller bowls if using different colors. Tint with food coloring as desired and decorate cooled cookies with a spatula or piping bags. Allow icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent cookies from spreading too much when baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- For thicker icing, use less milk; for thinner icing, add a bit more milk gradually.
- Store iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Adding almond extract is optional but adds a lovely complementary flavor to the vanilla.
