Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring some sweetness into your kitchen. Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, laughter echoing, and maybe even a bit of flour dusting the countertop. It’s that magical time when you roll and cut out shapes, fueled by creativity and a little bit of butter. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies promise to be the highlight. They’re soft, sweet, and wonderfully versatile, allowing you to express your artistic flair through playful decorations. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe perfectly balances soft texture and rich flavor, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. The combination of butter and shortening creates a moist dough that bakes beautifully. Using baking powder provides enough lift to maintain the cookies’ charming shapes during baking. You’ll find that these cookies hold their form while staying tender and delicious. It’s really the best of both worlds in one delightful cookie!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

These sugar cookies are far more than just easy to make; they are absolutely delightful! You can customize them for any occasion, making them a fantastic choice for birthdays, holidays, or even an impromptu treat. With their soft texture, they serve as the perfect canvas for your creativity, whether you choose to frost, sprinkle, or decorate them with candies. Every time you make them, you’ll find new ways to let your personality shine through your baking.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 grams)
• 1/4 cup shortening, room temperature (46 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (198 grams)
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing Your Dough

Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

To start, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re nicely combined. This step is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, setting a solid foundation for your cookies. Once mixed, set this dry mixture aside for later use.

Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar

Now, it’s time to create that fluffy goodness! Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream together the room-temperature butter, shortening, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which usually takes about three minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, allowing each to blend in nicely before adding the next. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract! This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to your cookies.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix it on low speed until just combined. After that, turn the mixer up to high for a few seconds to fully blend the dough. You should end up with a smooth, cohesive dough that feels just right.

Chill The Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling the dough is key here; it firms it up, making it easier to roll out later. Plus, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Rolling and Cutting Your Cookies

Preheat Your Oven

While you wait for the dough to chill, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line some rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, setting them aside for when you’re ready to bake.

Roll Out Dough

Once the dough is firm, take a small portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You’ll want to use a rolling pin for this, and don’t be shy about adding a bit of flour to keep things from sticking.

Cut Out Cookies

Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut shapes from the rolled-out dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Collect any scraps and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before you roll them out again. It’s a great way to make sure you maximize your dough!

Chill and Bake

Before baking, refrigerate the cut cookies on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape while baking. Bake them until the edges are just golden brown, which usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the pans for about two minutes before transferring them to wire cooling racks.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying these cookies, the options are endless! They’re fantastic on their own or can be adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles for any holiday or celebration. Imagine serving them at parties, school events, or simply enjoying them with a cup of your favorite beverage. Each cookie can become a canvas for your creativity and a source of joy for those you share them with.

Tips for Success

• First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing experience.
• Remember to chill the dough as instructed; it truly helps prevent spreading during baking.
• If you feel adventurous, try experimenting with different extracts like almond or lemon for an exciting twist.

Variations

Why stop at the basic recipe? You can add a bit of citrus zest for a refreshing hint of flavor. Consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and richness. If you’re feeling artistic, try using royal icing or fondant for creative decorations. The possibilities are endless, and your cookies can reflect whatever mood or occasion you’re celebrating!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.

2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking is crucial for preventing spreading. Ensure that the dough is sufficiently cold, and you’re all set!

3. What is the best way to store baked sugar cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer preservation.

4. Can I cut these cookies into different shapes?
For sure! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you like to make your cookies unique for different occasions.

5. What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
You can substitute additional butter for the shortening, but note that the cookies may be slightly less soft.

When you make this Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe, you’re not just baking cookies; you’re creating moments filled with warmth and joy. From mixing the ingredients to the beautiful decorative finishes, each step brings a touch of happiness to your kitchen. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy the delightful process of baking together—there’s no better way to make memories than with a batch of homemade sugar cookies! Happy baking!

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