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Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, perfect for decorating with frosting, sprinkles, or colorful icing. With their buttery, tender texture and sweet flavor, they’re as delicious as they are fun to make.
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • - Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • - Rolling pin
  • - Cookie cutters
  • - Baking sheets
  • - Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • - Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • **For the Cookies:**
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract optional
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • **For the Icing Optional:**
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring optional

Instructions
 

  • **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until combined.
  • **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • **Chill the Dough:** Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • **Roll and Cut:** Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • **Decorate (Optional):** In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Adjust consistency as needed. Add food coloring, if desired, and decorate the cooled cookies.