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The Best Soft and Chewy Cutout Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape

Three freshly baked, slightly golden sugar cookies piled on a white plate, coated in sparkling sugar.
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Follow this easy recipe to make bakery style sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, buttery, and hold their shape perfectly for decorating during the holidays or any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step builds the texture you want.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is key for cookies that do not spread.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For soft sugar cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate once fully cooled.

Notes

  • For the best shape retention, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting.
  • If you plan to use royal icing for decorating, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying the icing.
  • You can substitute almond extract for half of the vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
  • This simple sugar cookie dough freezes well; wrap the disks tightly before freezing for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/best-soft-chewy-cutout-sugar-cookies/