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The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe That Holds Its Shape for Cutouts

A stack of four golden brown, crinkly sugar cookie treats coated in sparkling sugar, resting on a white plate.
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Follow this reliable recipe to create buttery, soft sugar cookies that stay perfectly shaped for decorating. This is the classic, easy recipe you need for flawless cutouts every time.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a softer cookie.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  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, or up to 3 days. Chilling is key for cut out sugar cookies that don’t spread.
  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, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • For the best results when decorating, use a simple royal icing or a thick buttercream frosting.
  • If the dough becomes too warm while rolling and cutting, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing.
  • This recipe makes classic sugar cookies perfect for holiday cookie baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/best-soft-chewy-sugar-cookie-recipe-cutouts/