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Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies — Perfect for Holidays & Decorating

These Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies bake up thick, tender, and lightly sweet — the kind of sugar cookie that stays soft inside with just the right amount of chew. They hold their shape when baked, making them perfect for cutout cookie designs like hearts, stars, snowflakes, pumpkins, or any themed cookie cutter. Flavored with warm vanilla and a hint of almond, these cookies taste like a classic bakery sugar cookie — simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're planning cookie decorating day, prepping for holidays, or just craving a timeless treat, these cookies deliver every single time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake time 11 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup salted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

✨ 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
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
  1. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and light corn syrup.
  2. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  2. flour
  3. baking powder
  4. salt
Step 5: Form the Dough
  1. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually.
  2. Mix gently until a soft dough forms (avoid overmixing).
Step 6: Roll & Cut
  1. Lightly flour your work surface.
  2. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Press into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
  4. Transfer to baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Bake 8–11 minutes depending on cookie size.
  2. Edges should remain pale to ensure a soft cookie.
Step 8: Cool
  1. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  2. Cookies can be enjoyed plain or decorated later.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
If planning to decorate later, freeze undecorated cookies.
🥄 Variations
Extra Vanilla Flavor:
Use 2 teaspoons vanilla, skip almond extract.
Colored Dough:
Add gel food coloring directly to the dough for themed cookies.
Holiday Spice:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for winter cookies.
Sprinkle Roll:
Dip edges of dough shapes in sprinkles before baking.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do they really hold shape?
Yes — the dough is designed to prevent spreading.
Can I chill the dough?
Optional — chilling 20 minutes gives the cleanest cutter edges.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes — add ¼ teaspoon extra salt.
Can I roll thicker cookies?
Yes — bake 1–2 minutes longer.
Do these taste good without icing?
Absolutely — soft, buttery, and flavorful on their own.
Can kids help?
Yes — this dough is perfect for kid-friendly cookie cutting.
Why add corn syrup?
It keeps the cookies soft and moist.
Can I freeze shaped dough raw?
Yes — freeze shapes on a tray, then bake later.
Are these good for cookie gift boxes?
Yes — they stay soft and hold shape beautifully.
Can I decorate them later?
Yes — bake, freeze, thaw, then decorate anytime.
🏁 Conclusion
These Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies are buttery, tender, and bake into beautiful shapes without spreading. They’re ideal for holidays, birthdays, or creative decorating days. Delicious plain and perfect as a decorating base, these cookies are a timeless baking staple.
Soft. Sweet. Classic.
A loved baking tradition.