Get ready to discover the most amazing sugar cookie recipe that will have everyone begging for more! Jeff's Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies are not just another ordinary cookie – they're a magical blend of buttery goodness, perfect texture, and nostalgic flavor that will transport you back to grandma's kitchen. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe for every occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weekend treats!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the two large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- After chilling, remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them plain!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy base for your cookies.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Flour Your Surface Lightly: When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking without making the cookies dry.
- Consistent Thickness: Use rolling pin rings or guides to ensure your cookies are rolled to an even 1/4 inch thickness for uniform baking.
- Watch Carefully While Baking: The difference between perfectly golden and overbaked is just a minute or two. Keep a close eye on your cookies in the final baking minutes.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting and to maintain the perfect texture.Pro Tip: These cookies freeze beautifully! You can store the dough or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
