If you’ve ever wanted to bake something festive, fun, and absolutely delicious, then this Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies offer the perfect balance of a buttery, soft texture with a subtle crunch on the edges, and the icing? It’s smooth, sweet, and perfect for getting creative with colors and designs. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special celebration, or just a fun kitchen project, this recipe brings joy to bakers of all levels and guarantees smiles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that ideal cookie texture and a luscious, spreadable icing that brings your designs to life. From the creamy butter that makes the dough tender to the aromatic extracts that keep each bite bursting with flavor, these ingredients are straightforward but essential.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for a sturdy yet tender cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slight crispness at the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and gives moisture for a soft chew.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty undertone that’s magical but can be skipped if you prefer.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The base for the smooth and sweet icing.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts icing consistency from thick to spreadable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Injects flavor into the icing for added sweetness and aroma.
- Food coloring (optional): Perfect for crafting colorful, festive designs on the cookies.
How to Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl so they’re evenly distributed. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, beating well to combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms. The key here is not to overmix, which keeps your cookies tender and perfect for cutting.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is essential because it firm ups the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut into your favorite shapes without it sticking or losing definition.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Shapes
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Grab your cookie cutters and go wild—stars, hearts, snowflakes, whatever you love. Place the cut shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow even baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye so they don’t overbake—they should be soft and slightly pale in the center for that perfect texture.
Step 5: Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more a little at a time until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want to brighten things up, divide the icing into bowls and stir in your favorite food coloring.
Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing over the top. This Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe lets you get as creative as you want—use sprinkles, edible glitter, or piping techniques to make your cookies truly shine.
How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cookie presentation, consider adding edible pearls, colorful sprinkles, or tiny sugar crystals on the icing before it sets. These simple garnishes add a delightful crunch and pop of sparkle, making your cookies look professionally festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, a rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. Serving them alongside a cheese or charcuterie board might sound unconventional, but the sweetness provides a delightful counterpoint to savory fare during gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your iced cookies on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching display at parties or gift them in decorative tins wrapped with ribbons for a personal touch. Another fun idea is to string cookies with holes near the edge and hang them as edible decorations for holiday celebrations—an absolute crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the icing from sticking together or getting smudged, preserving both the look and the flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze both the unbaked dough and the finished cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting. For iced cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container. When ready, allow cookies to thaw at room temperature to maintain their appearance and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your sugar cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid the microwave when reheating iced cookies, as the heat may soften or melt your beautifully crafted designs.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour works best for the classic texture of these sugar cookies, you can experiment with pastry flour for a more tender crumb. Just keep in mind that whole wheat or gluten-free flours will alter the texture and might require tweaking the liquid amounts.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted and chill the dough well before rolling it out. Overmixing the dough can also cause excessive spreading, so mix just until combined.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract adds a lovely subtle flavor but it’s optional. You can omit it without impacting the overall success of the Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe, or try swapping it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How long does the icing take to dry?
The icing usually dries to the touch within 1-2 hours depending on humidity and thickness. For best results, let cookies sit overnight to allow the icing to harden completely before stacking or packing.
Can children participate in decorating these cookies?
Absolutely! The decorating step is one of the most fun parts, especially for kids. Using different colored icing and sprinkles can turn cookie-making into an interactive, creative family activity that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it season after season. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but versatile enough to turn into a festive tradition filled with laughter, creativity, and, of course, delicious cookies. So gather your ingredients, get your favorite cookie cutters ready, and have a blast creating your perfect batch!
Print
Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 1 hour chilling time
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing are classic, buttery cookies perfect for decorating and sharing. Soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape when cut into festive shapes, these cookies are enhanced with optional almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor. Finished with a smooth, customizable icing, they’re ideal for holidays, parties, or any occasion that calls for delightful homemade treats.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cookies are shaped.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg and extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps with rolling and cutting out shapes.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes.
- Place on baking sheets: Arrange the cut-outs on ungreased baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid browning for the best texture and color.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare icing: In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness.
- Color and decorate: Divide icing into bowls and add food coloring if desired. Decorate cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Set icing: Allow the icing to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- For firmer cookies, chill dough longer or add a bit more flour.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.
- If icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a few drops of milk.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a nice flavor depth to the cookies.
