Sugar Cut Out Cookies

Sugar Cut Out Cookies: A Delightful Treat That Holds Its Shape

When it comes to baking, few things bring as much joy as a batch of homemade sugar cut out cookies. These delightful treats are not only fun to make but also perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a festive holiday, or just a cozy weekend afternoon. What sets this particular recipe apart is its promise to maintain those beautiful shapes and intricate designs, allowing your creativity to shine. Trust me; once you’ve tried these cookies, they will become a go-to in your baking repertoire!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What truly makes this sugar cut out cookie recipe stand out? It’s simple yet effective! First and foremost, these cookies are remarkably easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. They’re not just delicious; their texture allows them to keep their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating.

Furthermore, these cookies can be customized endlessly. Whether you’re aiming for classic holiday shapes or whimsical designs for a children’s party, you can count on this dough to behave.

“I made these for my daughter’s birthday, and they held their shape perfectly! Plus, everyone loved the subtle lemon flavor.” – A Happy Baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Before we dive into the fun of baking, let’s set the stage. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, making it ideal for novice bakers and experienced confectioners alike. You’ll start by combining butter and sugar, add your wet ingredients, and then slowly mix in the flour. Easy enough, right?

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing sugar cut out cookies:

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks, at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1-2 tsp lemon zest (zest from 1/2 a lemon)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour (plus more for rolling)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Feel free to customize the flavors or even substitute some ingredients based on your dietary needs. For instance, you can swap out the lemon zest for orange or even almond extract for a different twist!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In your stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter and sugar. Beat them together for about 3 minutes until they are well creamed.
2. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the egg, lemon zest, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat again for 2 minutes until you achieve a creamy yellow mixture.
3. Gradually add the 3 cups of flour and 1/2 tsp salt, mixing on low speed for about 2 minutes. The dough may seem crumbly, but that’s normal.
4. If the dough doesn’t come together easily, add a teaspoon of water and press it together with your hands.
5. On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough balls to your desired thickness (they won’t rise much when baked). Cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. After freezing, bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden.
9. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Way to Serve

Now, let’s talk about how to serve these delightful cookies. They are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling festive, consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles. You can also pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!

Keeping Sugar Cut Out Cookies Fresh Longer

To keep your sugar cut out cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing the cookies. Just make sure they cool completely before storing them in a freezer bag, where they can last up to three months.

When it comes time to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Pro Chef Tips

• Use room-temperature butter to ensure a smooth creaming process.
• Chill your cookie shapes before baking to help them maintain their intricate designs.
• Experiment with different flavors by substituting the vanilla or adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy touch.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try with your sugar cut out cookies:

• Instead of lemon zest, try orange or lime for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top or drizzle with chocolate icing after they cool.
• Use different cookie cutters for seasonal celebrations—think hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for Halloween, and stars for Christmas!

Questions & Answers

How long do these cookies take to prepare?

The entire process generally takes about 45 minutes, including cooling time.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, margarine can be used, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen cookies?

Leave them at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, or microwave briefly for a soft treat.

These Sugar Cut Out Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering delicious flavor and a sturdy shape for all your decorative needs. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress!

Sugar Cut Out Cookies

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful sugar cookies that hold their shape for perfect decorating, ideal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks, at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1–2 tsp lemon zest (zest from 1/2 a lemon)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour (plus more for rolling)
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. In your stand mixer, combine the room-temperature butter and sugar. Beat for about 3 minutes until well creamed.
2. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the egg, lemon zest, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat for 2 minutes until you achieve a creamy yellow mixture.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed for about 2 minutes until the dough is crumbly.
4. If the dough doesn’t come together, add a teaspoon of water and mix by hand.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden.
9. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cookies, sugar cookies, baking, dessert, holiday treats