Print

The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe for Perfect Cutouts

Close-up of a soft, golden sugar cookie with a bite taken out, topped with white and bright blue frosting.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Follow this straightforward recipe to make soft, buttery sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating. This is the classic, easy sugar cookie recipe you need for holidays or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and flatten into a disk. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling is key for no spread sugar cookies.
  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 chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut 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 set but the centers are still soft. For best results when decorating, slightly underbake.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, decorate with your favorite royal icing or buttercream frosting.

Notes

  • For the softest sugar cookies, chill the dough thoroughly. Cold dough prevents spreading.
  • If you plan to stack or transport these cookies, use a thicker royal icing for decorating.
  • You can substitute almond extract for some of the vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-for-perfect-cutouts/