Description
These Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are tender, buttery, and perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. With a subtle almond essence and classic vanilla flavor, they hold their shape beautifully and offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that suits any occasion, especially holidays or celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavorings: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully combined, ensuring uniform flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading and improves dough manageability.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough to maintain a soft texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and preventing cookie spreading during baking.
- You can decorate these cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar after cooling.
- If the dough becomes too soft while working, chill it again to make rolling easier.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to one week.
