There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing. These classic cookies are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, making them the perfect canvas for your most creative (and colorful!) decorating ideas. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, this recipe is a celebration of joy, tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing homemade treats with people you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing is just how simple and familiar the ingredients are. Each one plays a meaningful role, from creating that signature tender crumb to giving you a perfectly sweet base for all your festive decorations.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their classic crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and gives the cookies a little extra chew.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A tiny splash adds a lovely, subtle depth—totally worth trying!
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and just the right bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies puff up ever so slightly for a soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the cookie.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups, for icing): Gives the icing its silky-smooth, glossy finish.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for icing): Thins out the icing to your desired consistency—start with less and add as needed!
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for icing): Adds a delicious touch of flavor to the icing itself.
- Food coloring (optional): For turning your cookies into vibrant works of edible art.
- Sprinkles (optional): Because who can resist a little extra sparkle and crunch?
How to Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is key to creating cookies that are soft and tender, and it helps build the structure for all that glorious icing later on.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract (and almond extract, if you’re using it). Mix until everything is fully incorporated—the dough will start to smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which means your cookies bake up perfectly every time.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. The dough should hold together without being sticky; if it’s a bit too soft, a dusting of flour will do the trick.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling is the secret behind those crisp, clean cookie cutter edges!
Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then roll out one dough disc at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to make fun shapes, and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. For the sharpest shapes, chill the cut-outs for 10 extra minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely—patience pays off here!
Step 8: Make the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, glossy icing. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. If you’re feeling festive, divide the icing and tint each portion with food coloring.
Step 9: Decorate!
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe on the icing and finish with sprinkles. Let the icing set before stacking or storing—then admire your delicious, edible masterpieces!
How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle your cookies with coarse sparkling sugar, edible glitter, or a little grated lemon zest. These simple garnishes make your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing look as festive as they taste!
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweetness by serving your cookies alongside a steaming cup of tea, hot cocoa, or a tall glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, a platter of fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed nuts is a lovely complement to these delightful cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in pretty gift boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also display them on a tiered stand for a party centerpiece, or stack them on a colorful plate for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve decorated them, make sure the icing is fully set before stacking to prevent any smudges or sticking.
Freezing
Both the dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully! For the dough, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling out. Baked (and even iced) cookies can be frozen in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, you can revive day-old cookies by popping them in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This brings back a hint of that fresh-baked flavor, but skip this step if your cookies are already frosted.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe for a big batch?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully if you’re baking for a crowd or want to make extra for gifting. Just be sure to work in batches when rolling and cutting to keep the dough easy to handle.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Not at all—almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle, delicious flavor that sets these cookies apart. You can omit it if you prefer a classic vanilla profile or swap in another extract like lemon or orange for a twist.
Why did my cookies lose their shape?
If your cookies spread too much or lost definition, it may be because the dough was too warm or not chilled long enough. Always chill your dough before rolling, and if your kitchen is warm, chill the cut-out shapes again before baking.
How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
For a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner, drizzle-friendly consistency, add a splash more milk. Start small with adjustments—just a teaspoon or two can make a big difference!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency, and add a little extra flour if needed to help the cookies hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines ease, fun, and a whole lot of flavor, these Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, don’t miss the chance to create something both beautiful and delicious—give these cookies a try and let your creativity shine!
Print
Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour chill time
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing are classic, buttery cookies perfect for any occasion. Soft, tender, and flavorful, they are delightfully decorated with smooth vanilla icing and sprinkles, making them a festive favorite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create beautiful and delicious cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, combining thoroughly to incorporate flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for non-stick baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden, indicating they are cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent breaking.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken the icing. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Spread or pipe the icing onto cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if you like. Let the icing set completely before stacking or storing.
Notes
- Cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen, either iced or uniced.
- For cleaner and sharper cookie shapes, chill the cut-out dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
- Make sure to not overbake to keep cookies soft and tender.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor if used.
- Store iced cookies in an airtight container once the icing has fully set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
