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The Best Soft and Chewy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

A close-up stack of soft, round sugar cookies topped with a thin layer of white glaze.
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You need this perfect sugar cookie recipe for soft, chewy results that still hold their shape for decorating. This recipe is simple and guarantees buttery flavor for your next celebration.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is key for a soft cookie texture.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  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 2 hours. Chilling prevents spreading.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Carefully transfer the cut-out sugar cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and lightly golden. For softer cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  12. Once cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the vanilla glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For the best cut-out results, chill the dough for the full 2 hours. If the dough gets too warm while cutting, place the cut shapes back in the freezer for 5 minutes before baking.
  • If you want a slightly crisper edge while keeping the center soft, bake the cookies for 1-2 minutes longer.
  • This recipe makes excellent Christmas cookie baking dough; use festive cutters and colors for your glaze.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/best-soft-chewy-cut-out-sugar-cookies/