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Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies – Perfect for Decorating

These Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies are the kind of cookies that feel like childhood, celebrations, and cozy kitchen moments. They’re buttery, soft, gently sweet, and they hold their shape when baked — which makes them perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, and festive designs. Unlike crisp sugar cookies, these are tender inside with just the right amount of chew. They roll out beautifully, cut cleanly, and bake without spreading too much. Whether you're making them for holidays, birthdays, or just for fun, these cookies bring joy at every step — from mixing dough to decorating together with family and friends. These are the cookies that become a tradition.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Roll & Cut time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 25 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • ¾ cup salted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional, but recommended
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
For the Icing
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • Gel food coloring optional

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Make the Cookies
Step 1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
  1. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3:
  1. Add the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
Step 4:
  1. Stir in the light corn syrup. This is what gives the cookies their soft texture.
Step 5:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 6:
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 7:
  1. Lightly flour your countertop. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 8:
  1. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on your baking sheet.
Step 9:
  1. Bake for 8–11 minutes, or until edges look set but not brown.
  2. (For soft cookies, do not overbake.)
Step 10:
  1. Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
  2. Make the Icing
Step 1:
  1. In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2:
  1. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of milk.
  2. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 3:
  1. Divide icing into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
Step 4:
  1. Decorate cooled cookies and let icing set before stacking.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate icing separately for up to 1 week.
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.
Freeze dough for up to 3 months — thaw in fridge, then roll.
🥄 Variations
Extra Vanilla Version: Replace almond extract with extra vanilla.
Citrus Twist: Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest to dough.
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Add sprinkles on top before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why corn syrup?
It keeps the cookies soft and prevents them from getting dry.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes — but it adds a cozy bakery-style flavor.
Why did my cookies puff?
Dough may have been too warm — chill 10 minutes next time.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Around ¼ inch for soft, thick cookies.
Can I make these without a mixer?
Yes — just use a whisk and spatula.
Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes — place parchment between layers to avoid smudging.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No — butter is essential for flavor.
Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes — use vegan butter and plant milk for icing.
How to keep icing shiny?
Let cookies dry uncovered for at least 4–6 hours.
How do I get clean cutter edges?
Dip cookie cutters lightly in flour between cuts.
🏁 Conclusion
These Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies are buttery, tender, beautiful, and perfect for decorating. Whether for holidays, birthdays, family baking days, or just because — they bring happiness, creativity, and cozy kitchen memories. Roll, cut, decorate, share, and enjoy the joy in every bite.