Sugar Cookies - Cut Out
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a crisp edge and tender center, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Ideal for holidays, parties, and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat butter and shortening until smooth.
- Mix with electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.
- Add half of the flour, all of the sugar, egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat until well combined.
- Stir in the remaining flour until just incorporated.
- Divide dough in half and cover.
- Chill about 3 hours or until easy to handle.
- Roll each half of dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter.
- Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the sheet before transferring.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter cookies, consider using only butter or a combination of butter and margarine instead of shortening. If you prefer a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. To prevent sticking, dust your cookie cutter with flour before cutting out shapes.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles, making them great for holiday gatherings or birthday parties. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a Peach 'N Pineapple Shake for a delightful treat. Consider pairing with a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Cookies - Cut Out contains roughly 39 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you decide to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overmixing the dough and consider adding a little extra butter or reducing the baking time by a minute or two. Additionally, using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can create a softer texture. Be sure to monitor them closely as they bake to prevent them from getting too hard.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture, but they should still be delicious!
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).