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
Scale
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.
