Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Best Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (Holds Shape Perfectly)

Best Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Tips for Perfect Shapes!


  • Author: recipeinspire
  • Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These soft cut-out sugar cookies bake thick, buttery, and tender—yet hold their shape perfectly. Ideal for frosting, decorating, and holiday cookies that never spread!


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but amazing)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 12 tbsp milk (only if dough is too dry)

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Cream together the butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. If the dough seems slightly dry or crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour for perfect edges.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut desired shapes.
  8. Place shapes on baking sheets and chill for 10 minutes to prevent spreading.
  9. Bake for 8–11 minutes, watching for barely golden bottoms while tops stay pale.
  10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  11. Frost once fully cooled.

Notes

For ultra-soft cookies, roll thicker (3/8 inch) and avoid overbaking. Always chill cut shapes before baking for perfect, sharp edges that never spread.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cut out sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, no spread cookies, holiday cookies