Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that can turn any day into a celebration. With their tender texture and flavorful bites, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a rainy afternoon at home, these cookies will bring joy to your taste buds. Their ability to hold intricate shapes makes them ideal for decorating, too, allowing you to express your creativity.
Why We Love This Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe
What sets these Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies apart is their beautiful blend of flavors and soft texture. Each bite melts in your mouth, providing a sweet experience that brings back cherished memories. They are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for both casual and festive settings. You can whip together a batch in no time, and children love to help with the decorating process. The subtle hints of vanilla and almond create a flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting. Once you bake these cookies, you’ll discover why they are a beloved favorite for both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients about Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
Here is what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Salt to taste (for frosting)
- 2-3 tsp milk (for frosting)
How to Make Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies Directions
Making Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Start by creaming the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer and beat it until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about two minutes. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix for an additional two minutes until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Next, add the eggs one by one, making sure to mix well after each addition. This step ensures that the eggs are well incorporated into the mixture. After that, add the vanilla and almond extracts, stirring to blend everything together.
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This helps to combine the dry ingredients and removes any lumps. Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Once you have a consistent dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the dough chills. After an hour, take the dough out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place your cutout cookies on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 11 minutes or until they are slightly puffy and set. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack. While the cookies cool, it’s the perfect time to prepare your frosting. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk until you achieve a spreadable consistency. Once the cookies are cool, you can frost them as desired and enjoy!
How to Serve Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
Serving your Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies is as enjoyable as baking them. These cookies can be served on a beautifully arranged platter, making an attractive centerpiece for any gathering. Consider pairing them with a selection of beverages like milk, tea, or coffee, enhancing the experience for your guests. Alternatively, if you are serving these cookies at a children’s party, consider arranging them on themed plates or adding fun decorations to make them visually appealing.
For an added touch, use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on the frosting for special occasions. You can also personalize the cookies by writing names or messages using icing or food markers. This can make them a delightful treat for birthdays or holidays. Remember, the joy of these cookies comes from sharing them with others, so don’t hesitate to invite friends and family to join in the fun!
Expert Tips: Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
To ensure your Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips. First, make sure your butter is at room temperature, as this helps create a light and fluffy texture when creaming. Do not skip chilling the dough; it is essential for achieving the right consistency when rolling out. If your dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin.
When cutting out your cookie shapes, dip your cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to cut and release your cookies from the cutter. Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Cookies should remain pale and not turn golden brown; this will maintain that soft texture.
If you want to experiment, try adding your favorite flavor extracts or citrus zests for a unique twist. Always store your finished cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.
How to Store Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. You can layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store them at room temperature for about a week; they will maintain their fantastic taste and soft texture.
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to regain that soft goodness.
Variation of Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
The beauty of Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies lies in their versatility. You can easily transform the base recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add 1 to 2 cups of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful mix of flavors. The chocolate adds a rich taste and texture to the soft cookies.
- Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough along with a bit of lemon juice for a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens every bite.
- Sprinkled Sugar Cookies: Roll the cut-out cookies in colorful sprinkles before baking. This adds a fun look and extra sweetness.
- Mint Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add peppermint extract instead of almond to the original recipe, and fold in chocolate chips for a seasonal twist.
- Nutty Sugar Cookies: Mix in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to get creative and personalize these cookies according to your taste and occasion!
FAQ
What are Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies?
Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies are tender cookies made with butter, sugar, and flour, perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating.
How do I make my sugar cookies softer?
To achieve softer sugar cookies, you can slightly reduce the baking time or increase the amount of butter used in your recipe.
Can I freeze Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic and store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What can I use for cookie decorations?
You can use frosting, edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or food markers to decorate your cookies creatively.
How long do Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.
Enjoy baking and decorating your Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!
Soft Baked Cutout Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- to taste Salt (for frosting)
- 2-3 tsp milk (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sugar, mixing for another 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes or until slightly puffy and set.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk in a bowl until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cooled cookies as desired.
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