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The Best Soft and Chewy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

A stack of soft, crinkly, sugar-coated sugar cookies resting on a white plate near a window.
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Follow these simple steps to make soft, buttery sugar cookies that hold their shape for decorating. This easy recipe yields classic homemade sugar cookies perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

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  • 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 light and fluffy. This step builds the base 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 spread.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees 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 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 set but the centers remain soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

  • For the softest cookies, slightly underbake them. They will firm up as they cool.
  • If you plan to decorate heavily with royal icing, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold sharp edges.
  • You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/best-soft-chewy-sugar-cookies-recipe/