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Perfect Cut-out Sugar Cookies

These cut-out sugar cookies have earned their title.  They are easy, fuss-free, and retain their shape perfectly after baking.  It’s a buttery, chewy, tasty cut-out cookie that can be decorated to your heart’s content.

vanilla cut out cookies with icing and sprinkles
Not just another pretty cookie; these cut-out sugar cookies taste incredible.

How to make Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

While I was making last minute cookie plans this year, the ever-important question of whether or not to do cut-out cookies came up.  I hold these crucial debates within myself from time to time.

That internal deliberation lasted approximately 11 seconds. These soft, buttery cut-out cookies are known to be so good, they doesn’t even need frosting or sprinkles or…. dare I say it…chocolate. In fact, you only need 7 ingredients and some fun cookie cutters in order to make a cookie party happen.

Let’s talk about how to make cut-out cookies so good, you’ll want to eat them straight out of the oven.

Watch Us Make These Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Perfect Cut - Out Sugar Cookies  -  Chew Out Loud
vanilla almond cookies, cut-out cookies, vanilla almond cut-out cookies
These cut-out sugar cookies bake up perfectly every time, requiring only 7 ingredients.

Sugar Cookies That are packed with flavor

I’ve made cut-outs from soft sugar cookies and these reliably wonderful gingerbread cookies every year.  It’s the season, and all the cookies beg to be made.

Aside from your usual cookies for that cookie exchange or dessert tray, amp up the flavors with these cut-out cookies this year. These little treats are perfectly shape-able with your selection of cookie cutters. These are especially tasty, with a flavorful depth that most sugar cookies don’t have. More on that below.

Delicious Sugar Cookies: Secret Ingredient

The secret to a deeper flavor in these sugar cookies: almond extract. It’s a non-negotiable ingredient that provides absolutely amazing flavor that sets these sugar cookies apart from all others. Most people will immediately notice a wonderful aroma in these cookies, but they won’t be able to pinpoint how you did it.

vanilla almond cookies, cut-out cookies, vanilla almond cut-out cookies

Keys to Successful Cut-Out Cookies

  • Be sure to measure flour accurately, using scoop/level method, described here. Your cookie dough should end up with a texture similar to play dough; not sticky nor crumbly, but soft and malleable.
  • Beat the butter and sugar for the full 3 minutes; this step is important in order for the cookies to keep their shape well during baking
  • Don’t skip the 10-minute freeze time prior to baking, as that helps cookies to bake without puffing/spreading away their shape.
  • Take care not to over bake these cookies. They won’t brown much at all, and should appear slightly under-baked when you take them out of the oven. Your adorable cookies will set upon cooling.
  • Because every oven and every cookie-cutter size is different, it will be important to watch your first batch carefully so you know how long your specific cookie shapes should bake for. A good way to test this is to bake a small batch first to determine your best bake time.
  • Make these cut-out cookies larger or smaller, using any shapes you like. Of course, bake times will vary for bigger vs. smaller cookies, so it’s best to place similar sized cookies together on the same tray.
vanilla almond cookies, cut-out cookies, vanilla almond cut-out cookies
These cut-out sugar cookies are the perfect canvas for your decorating whims.
vanilla cut out cookies with icing and sprinkles
This sugar cookie recipe is one that will hold its shape well during baking.

Decorating Your Cut-Out Cookies

These cookies are tender, buttery, and lightly sweet with a delicious infusion of vanilla and almond – though they don’t contain actual almonds, the bit of extract goes a long way in providing that aromatic almond flavor.

These cut-out cookies are genuinely so good on their own, we don’t often do much besides sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for a bit of texture.

That said, feel free to decorate your cookies to your heart’s content, because you can. Some super easy and fun ideas include:

  • Colorful sprinkles added into your cookie dough; red/pink/white for Valentines, green/red/white for Christmas, or choose a funfetti style. Get creative and have fun!
  • Melt white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips, transfer to a baggie, cut a tiny hole in the corner, and drizzle onto cooled cookies.
  • Of course, your favorite frosting or super easy icing can be used on cool cookies – you may want bigger shapes for this.

More Cookies to Eat

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

vanilla cut out cookies with icing and sprinkles

Perfect Cut-out Sugar Cookies

4.78 from 134 ratings
These Cut-out Cookies are easy, keep their shape well after baking, and are tender and buttery. They are light in color even after baking, which makes them a great canvas for your decorating whims.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 48
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 cup salted butter, cold, cut into chunks
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp pure almond extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350, with rack on lower middle position. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. It's important to measure flour accurately; use the Scoop and Level Method to ensure proper measurement. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix the sugar and butter on medium-high speed until mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; use rubber spatula to scrape down sides as needed. Be sure to beat the full amount of time – it helps to set a timer. Add the egg and extracts and beat to fully incorporate.
  • Switch to medium-low speed. Gradually add the flour mixture, gently mixing just until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl as needed. Do not over-mix.
  • Use hands to work cookie dough into a smooth ball for rolling; if flour was measured accurately, texture will be similar to soft play-dough. It should not be sticky nor crumbly, but smooth and pliable. 
  • Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4" thick and cut into shapes. Place cookie shapes on baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone baking mat and freeze entire cookie sheet for 10 minutes, which helps retain shape when baking. (If you live in a cold region, you may even be able to place it outside. Otherwise, you can place in freezer in smaller batches if needed.)
  • Transfer sheet of semi-frozen cookies straight into the preheated oven, 1 baking sheet at a time. Bake larger/thicker shapes (3-inch diameter or larger) for 9-11 minutes and smaller shapes 7-8 minutes.
    It's important to watch your first batch closely so you know how much time to bake your particular sized/shaped cookies. If they're baked too long, they'll be more likely to lose their shape. Cookies should be removed from oven when they seem slightly under-baked and pale. They will set upon cooling. 
  • Let cool 3-4 minutes on baking sheet and use cookie spatula to transfer to a cooling rack. Let cookies cool completely before icing – we love this super easy icing.

Notes

  • Worth repeating: these cookies won’t brown much, so be sure to take them out even when they look slightly under-baked and pale. As cookie shapes/sizes vary greatly depending on cookie cutters, watch your first batch of cookies carefully to become familiar with how long to bake your cookies without them losing their shape. 
  • It’s extremely important to measure flour accurately; use this simple Scoop and Level method
  • These cookies are moderately sweet, as they’re meant to be paired with icing/frosting. If you are enjoying them plain, add another 1/4 cup sugar.
  • Yield amount is roughly 48 cookies, but actual amount of cookies will vary depending on size of cookies/shapes.
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating! We ❤️ hearing from you.
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Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1g | Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: Bake

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Recipe Rating




154 comments

    • Cara
    • 5 stars

    These were delicious! Soft and chewy and the perfect sweetness. I added a little orange zest to my dough because my mom always did when we made Christmas cookies. So so good!

      • Amy Dong

      Yay, so glad you loved them, Cara!

    • Elizabeth
    • 5 stars

    Ha, that’s funny, because I actually wanted to say at least 8 years, but I second guessed myself … I’m so glad you had it available for me to use for as long as I have!! Thank you tons!!!

    • Elizabeth Wells
    • 5 stars

    I thought that I’ve been using this recipe for at least 6 years, but I noticed the publication date is 2019, so I’m not sure what I used before then. Anyhow, this recipe is seriously the best I have ever worked with! The dough is very easy to handle, shapes hold together well, and transfer easily. Best of all is the taste, so delicious, and I think they’re best without any additional topping. Thank you for sharing with us!

      • Amy Dong

      Oh, yes – this recipe was originally published in 2015, but I republished it after adding video and updating images! I’m SO glad you have loved this recipe for 6+ years; that makes me smile!! 🙂

    • Nancy
    • 5 stars

    Perfect directions and best recipe I have ever used!

      • Amy Dong

      YAY, thank you, Nancy!

    • Liz Robinson

    Can I make these a few does ahead of time and freeze/refrigerate the dough?

      • Amy Dong

      Absolutely 🙂

    • Perryn Cappelli

    Can I freeze these cookies once they’re baked to frost and eat in a couple weeks?

      • Amy Dong

      Yes, they will freeze great, Perryn! 🙂

    • GiGi
    • 5 stars

    I made these and delish!! Made for a 80th bday party this weekend. Easy and being I watch my three yr old granddaughter the play dough feel of dough is spot on! Loved that! Making another batch now to finish up. So happy I found this easy recipe! Thank you!

      • Amy Dong

      That truly makes me so happy! 🙂 🙂

    • Janelle
    • 5 stars

    I followed a Betty Crocker recipe for almond sugar cookies and they puffed up and came out misshapen. This recipe worked like a charm and came out beautifully. I used foil and cooking spray because I didn’t have parchment paper.

      • Amy Dong

      That’s amazing, Janelle – thank you! 🙂

      • audrey
      • 4 stars

      i made these perfect and to the tea ); but i still got spread. i like them 3/8 tho. i tried freezing a little longer. but still have horrible spread ): how to fix?

    • Dana D Leskowski
    • 5 stars

    I only used almond extract and these and the icing were so good! Perfect texture and sweetness with a thin layer of the icing.

    • Josh Metteauer
    • 5 stars

    I stumbled upon this recepe while “googling” for a “good” sugar cookie recepe for my daughter and I to make. These turned out great! My wife made a royal icing that went really well with the cookies. We like them so much we passed them out to our neighbors.

    • Patrick

    This is my second time making these. It is the best recipe for sugar cookies I have ever made. They are indeed perfect. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays.

    • J
    • 5 stars

    Delicious! This recipe made perfect Christmas cut-outs. Thanks!

    • Jamie Anderson

    Can I make the dough and put in fridge for a day or so and make them right out of the fridge? Or would I still need to do the freezer method when ready to make them?

      • Amy Dong

      If your dough is nice and cold, you may be able to use it straight out of the fridge.

        • Jamie Anderson
        • 5 stars

        Thank you!! Making them now

    • Megan
    • 5 stars

    I have been trying to find a recipe like my great grandma used to make with me when I was a child and this is the closest one to date. These are deliciously soft and sweet with a hint of almond. I did follow the recipe exactly and I think that was the key to success. Hope to use this recipe with my family for years to come.

      • Amy Dong

      That is wonderful, Megan

    • Kristen
    • 5 stars

    I have used this recipe for Christmas cookies for years now and everyone always loves them! They turn out great every time! I used this recipe for my sons jungle book birthday one year and made animals and just added food coloring for tigers and flamingos and such! They turned out awesome!

      • Amy Dong

      I Love it, Kristen!

    • Jan Holt
    • 5 stars

    These cookies were a huge hit at our holiday baking weekend/party. I have to say I no longer own a stand mixer, or any mixer for that matter, so they were made with my two hands and a pastry blender. Cookies turned out perfectly and I decorated them with colored royal icing (which was also a pain without a mixer lol). But, it can be done! Everyone that tried them said they were the best sugar cookie they ever ate. Give these a try!

      • Amy Dong

      Awesome, Jan! So happy everyone loved these 🙂 🙂

        • Jan Holt

        They really did, and I did too. I am making a fresh batch today and they came out perfectly. This will be my go-to sugar cookie from now on.

    • Susan
    • 5 stars

    Made these last year for Christmas. A big hit. I usually decorate with sanding sugar before baking. Can I freeze them after Baking with the sugar?

      • Amy Dong

      Yes, you can! Thank you, Susan 🙂

    • Gina
    • 5 stars

    I love this recipe. I make it every year!

      • Amy Dong

      Yay, Gina!!

    • CC
    • 5 stars

    Love this recipe!! They come out perfect every time!!! Have been using it for years ❤️

      • Amy Dong

      Yay! So glad you love these 🙂

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