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Classic cut out sugar cookies that are dense, chewy with crispy edges and a soft center, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: About 24 cookies (depending on size) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until they just come together, about 45 seconds.
  2. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and mix for about 1 minute until well blended.
  3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Add the flour and salt and mix gently just until the dough forms and no flour streaks remain.
  5. Shape the dough into a flat oval disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Generously flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer carefully to baking sheets.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.
  10. Bake cookies for 8 to 12 minutes depending on size: 8 minutes for small shapes, about 10 minutes for medium, and up to 12 minutes for large, until edges turn golden.
  11. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
  12. Frost as desired or enjoy plain.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother dough and softer cookies., Do not overmix butter and sugar to maintain chewy texture., Chill dough for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to help cookies hold their shape and develop flavor., Flour the work surface and cookie cutters to prevent sticking during rolling and cutting., For delicate or detailed shapes, freeze cut cookies on baking sheet for about 10-20 minutes before baking to preserve sharp edges., Watch cookies closely to avoid overbaking; remove from oven as soon as edges turn golden and centers still feel soft.

  • Author: mapps6841@gmail.com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1+ hour chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 8-12 minutes per batch
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 122 calories per cookie
  • Fat: 4.9 grams per cookie
  • Carbohydrates: Not specified explicitly, but approx. from sugar 10.1 grams per cookie
  • Protein: 1.5 grams per cookie