Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
Soft cutout sugar cookies offer a delicate, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla, perfect for decorating and sharing at celebrations or as a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter, shortening, and sugar; add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Sift together flour, soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Chill the dough for 2 to 3 hours.
- Roll out on a lightly powdered surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut with cookie cutters.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Frost with confectioners' sugar icing and decorate with candy sprinkles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, be careful not to over-bake. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce. Adding a pinch of almond extract can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a different texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature for easier creaming.
Serving Suggestions
These soft cutout sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles for special occasions. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Grandma'S Always Perfect Apple Pie for a festive dessert platter. Consider arranging them on a colorful platter for a vibrant display.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them. If you want to freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1594 calories, with 25g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute all the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. However, the texture may be slightly different, potentially resulting in a firmer cookie. Adjust baking time as necessary since butter cookies may spread more.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
To make your cookies more festive, consider adding food coloring to your icing or using thematic cookie cutters. You can also add flavored extracts like peppermint or lemon for a seasonal twist. Sprinkles are a fun way to add color and excitement!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes or dusting your work surface and rolling pin with flour. You can also add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).