Perfect Every Time Cut-Out Cookies Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for the perfect sugar cookie recipe for cut-out shapes, look no further. These Perfect Every Time Cut-Out Cookies require no chilling, freeze well, and hold up beautifully to decorating. Whether for holidays, parties, or everyday fun, these cookies are delicious and durable.

Ingredients

• 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup sugar (vanilla-infused sugar recommended)
• 1 cup salted butter, cold and cut into chunks
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder; set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the sugar and cold butter together until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture and mix well.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
6. Step 6: The dough will be crumbly; knead it gently with your hands as you remove it from the bowl to form a cohesive dough.
7. Step 7: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick.
8. Step 8: Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
9. Step 9: Place cut-out shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets. For best results, freeze the baking sheet with the cookies for 5 minutes before baking.
10. Step 10: Bake for 10–12 minutes, checking around 8 minutes if making mini cookies. The cookies should be set but not browned.
11. Step 11: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Tips & Variations

• Use vanilla-infused sugar for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; thaw slightly before rolling and cutting.
• Try almond or lemon extract as variations to add different flavor profiles.
• For crispier cookies, roll dough thinner and bake slightly longer, watching closely.
• To prevent sticking, dust rolling surface and cutters lightly with flour.
• Decorate with royal icing or buttercream for lasting and vibrant designs.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen, either undecorated or decorated, for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw decorated cookies at room temperature to prevent condensation before serving or packaging.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I really not need to chill the dough?

No chilling is necessary with this recipe, which saves time and effort. The dough is designed to be workable right after mixing.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes! The dough freezes well for future use. You can also freeze baked cookies before or after decorating without losing texture or flavor.

Perfect Every Time Cut-Out Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 74 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 regular cookies or 36 mini cookies 1x

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Description

Perfect Every Time Cut-Out Cookies are a no-fail sugar cookie recipe designed specifically for decorating. With no dough chilling required, these cookies bake up thick, soft yet substantial, and hold up perfectly to royal icing or buttercream decorations. Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday fun, these cookies can be frozen at any stage — dough, baked, or decorated — making them convenient and delicious every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar (preferably sugar that has been infused with vanilla beans)
• 1 cup salted butter, cold and cut into chunks
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and set aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of cold, salted butter cut into chunks and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for tender cookies.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in 1 egg, 3/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure almond extract until well combined to add flavor and structure.
5. Gradually Add Flour Mixture: Slowly incorporate the flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients, beating just until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing.
6. Knead Dough: The dough might be crumbly; gently knead it together using your hands until it forms a cohesive dough suitable for rolling.
7. Roll and Cut Shapes: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes for decorating.
8. Freeze Before Baking: Place the cut-out dough shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze for 5 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For mini cookies, check at 8 minutes to prevent overbaking. The edges should be just set and pale.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or storing.

Notes

• No dough chilling is required, making this recipe quicker and more convenient than traditional sugar cookies.
• The dough, baked cookies, and decorated cookies can all be frozen, maintaining excellent quality each time.
• Rolling thickness of 1/4″ to 3/8″ produces thick, soft cookies that hold up well for decorating, packaging, and shipping.
• For best results and easier handling, freezing cut-out shapes briefly before baking is recommended.
• This recipe works excellently with royal icing or buttercream for decorating.
• Yields approximately 12-15 regular-sized cookies or around 36 mini cookies depending on cutter size.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cut-out cookies, sugar cookies, decorating cookies, no chill cookie dough, holiday cookies, vanilla almond cookies, roll and cut cookies