Description
Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, these cutout sugar cookies hold their shape while staying tender inside. A timeless Christmas favorite made with simple pantry ingredients and ready for all your festive icing or sprinkles.
Ingredients
1¼ cups unsalted butter, slightly firm
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional but recommended)
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons powdered milk
1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until smooth and pale.
3. Add salt, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, egg, egg yolk, and milk; mix until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and powdered milk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
6. Roll dough to about ⅓ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut shapes using cookie cutters.
7. Optional: Chill cutouts in the freezer for 15–30 minutes to maintain sharp edges.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just set and bottoms are lightly golden.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.
Chill dough if it becomes too warm.
Use a light-colored baking sheet for even browning.
Roll dough evenly for uniform baking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg