Print

The Best Soft & Chewy Cut Out Sugar Cookies (Perfect for Decorating!)

A stack of four golden brown sugar cookies with one leaning against the stack on a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You can make perfect, soft, and chewy sugar cookies that hold their shape for decorating. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients for a melt-in-your-mouth result every time.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps with texture.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate 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, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling prevents spreading.
  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 your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cut-out sugar cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to look lightly golden. For softer cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate once fully cooled.

Notes

  • For the softest cookies, chill the dough for longer, up to 24 hours.
  • If you want cookies that hold intricate cut-out shapes perfectly, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the creamed butter mixture.
  • This recipe makes a dough that is easy to roll and does not spread much during baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/best-sugar-cookies-soft-chewy-cut-out-recipe/