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The Best Soft and Chewy Cutout Sugar Cookies

Three golden brown sugar cookies stacked slightly on a white plate, illuminated by window light.
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This is the best sugar cookie recipe for soft, chewy cookies that hold their shape perfectly for decorating. These buttery sugar cookies use simple ingredients and deliver melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: Extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  4. Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is necessary for cutout sugar cookies to hold their shape.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
  7. If desired, lightly roll the cutouts in extra granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For soft sugar cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For the softest cookies, chill the dough for 1 hour. If you need a faster option, chilling for 30 minutes is the minimum time required for clean cuts.
  • These cookies are perfect for holiday sugar cookie decorating once fully cooled.
  • If you prefer a chewier texture, slightly decrease the baking time.

Nutrition

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