Perfect Soft Sugar Cookie Cutouts
These soft sugar cookie cutouts are tender, chewy, and perfect for festive decorating. The addition of cream cheese and proper chilling ensures a soft texture and sturdy shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: Food coloring or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup (227g) softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in 4 ounces (113g) softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add 1 large room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Beat until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until dough forms. If dough feels too sticky, chill for 15 minutes.
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges just start to turn golden. Watch closely to keep cookies soft but set.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Roll dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Start checking cookies at 8 minutes to avoid overbaking. Rolling dough between parchment sheets helps prevent sticking and eases cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (3-inch cut
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 1
Keywords: soft sugar cookies, sugar cookie cutouts, holiday cookies, festive cookies, cream cheese sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, cookie decorating