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Perfect Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies Easy Recipe for Decorating Fun

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These perfect soft cut out sugar cookies are easy to make, hold their shape beautifully, and are ideal for decorating. They offer a tender, buttery texture with a nostalgic vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings and holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat ¾ cup (170 g) softened unsalted butter and 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar, beating well after each addition until the mixture is light and airy.
  5. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Mix until just combined (don’t overbeat to keep cookies tender).
  6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
  7. Divide dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  8. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disc to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden but centers are still soft. Avoid overbaking for the perfect soft texture.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use room temperature butter and eggs for best results. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cookies tender. If dough softens too much while rolling, chill again for 10-15 minutes. Press cookie cutters firmly without twisting to keep shapes defined.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft sugar cookies, cut out sugar cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe, decorating cookies, holiday cookies, cream cheese sugar cookies

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