Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing Recipe

If you want a sweet treat that brings people together in the very best way, you absolutely must try these Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing. There’s something heartwarming about rolling, cutting, and decorating cookies with family and friends, not to mention that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a tender, buttery flavor, finished with a glossy iced top. These cookies are as much about making memories as they are about tasting fantastic—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day that deserves a little celebration.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing is satisfyingly simple, but each one plays a starring role in the final result. These staples come together to create a dough that’s easy to work with, holds its shape beautifully, and takes on a sweet, delicate flavor, while the icing adds a playful, colorful finish.

• Unsalted butter: The foundation for soft, flavorful cookies; make sure it’s fully softened for the fluffiest results.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together while making the cookies slightly chewy.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with an irresistible, aromatic flavor.
• Almond extract (optional): A tiny splash gives the cookies a lovely, almost bakery-style nuance.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure; be sure to measure carefully for cookies that hold their shape.
• Baking powder: Ensures a hint of lift so the cookies bake up tender, not dense.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a glossy, smooth texture perfect for decorating.
• Milk: Thins the icing just enough so it glides on easily but sets beautifully.
• Light corn syrup: Gives the icing a pretty shine and helps it set firm.
• Vanilla extract (for icing): Boosts the flavor of the icing so it matches the delicious cookies.
• Gel food coloring (optional): A fun way to add a pop of color for holidays or special occasions.
• Sprinkles for decorating: Because cookies are even more delightful with a little sparkle and crunch on top.

How to Make Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by combining your softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving you that fantastic soft-but-structured cookie bite.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Once your mixture is nice and creamy, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and a dash of almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients blend together to enrich both flavor and texture. The dough should become velvety and silky at this point—don’t skip scraping down the sides for even mixing!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This might seem like a small step, but it ensures your leavening is evenly distributed for consistent baking. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a soft, uniform dough forms—no overbeating!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide your dough into two halves, shape them into disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. The chill time (at least one hour) is essential—it firms up the dough so your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing hold their shape beautifully during baking and become easier to roll and cut.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

After chilling, lightly dust your counter with flour, roll out one dough disk at a time to about a quarter-inch thick, and get creative with your favorite cookie cutters. Place the cut shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one for even baking.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes—keep a close eye on them! You want just the faintest golden hint at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla for a glossy, spreadable icing. Adjust the consistency if needed, then divide and tint with food coloring if you like. The icing is easy to work with and sets up with the perfect sheen for decorating.

Step 8: Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, unleash your creativity! Pipe or spread the icing onto the cookies, then top with sprinkles or any decorations you love. Give them a bit of time to dry and set before stacking or storing—if you can wait, that is!

How to Serve Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing

Garnishes

For that extra touch of magic, top your cookies with a flourish of colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even piped royal icing details. Not only do these finishes make the cookies pop visually, but they also add delightful texture and a hint of crunch to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, chai latte, or a cool glass of milk elevates snack time into a true treat. For a party platter, surround your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert duet.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in festive boxes for gifting, wrap them individually as party favors, or set up a DIY decorating station at your next gathering. No matter the occasion, a plateful of these cookies stacked high will grab all the attention at the dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the icing has fully set, store your Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft for up to five days—perfect for grabbing a sweet treat whenever the mood strikes.

Freezing

If you plan ahead, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to two months. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and thaw at room temperature when ready to decorate. You can also freeze the dough before rolling and baking for spur-of-the-moment cookie sessions!

Reheating

No need to reheat these cookies, as they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’d like to refresh them, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back that freshly-baked softness, but be careful—overheating can melt the icing.

FAQs

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up well. Just be sure to mix in batches if using a stand mixer to avoid overworking the dough and to chill each disk before rolling and cutting.

Why does my dough spread too much in the oven?

Most often, it’s due to the dough not being fully chilled or using too much butter. Make sure to chill your cut cookie shapes before baking for those crisp, clean edges that define Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing.

Can I make the dough or icing in advance?

Yes! The dough can be made up to two days ahead and kept in the fridge, while the icing (without coloring) can be prepared a day before and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just give it a good stir before using.

What’s the best way to decorate with kids?

Lay out the cookies and bowls of colored icing and sprinkles, then let everyone decorate their own. It’s a wonderfully interactive and creative project, and don’t worry—imperfections just add extra charm!

What extract can I use instead of almond?

If you’re not a fan of almond, just omit it or swap in lemon or orange extract for a bright twist. Vanilla alone is classic and delicious in these Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as joyful as baking and decorating Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing, especially when you get to share them with the people you love. Give this recipe a try—play with shapes, colors, and sprinkles—and savor every buttery, sweet bite. Your kitchen is about to become everyone’s favorite sweet spot!

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