Easy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking are a must-have recipe when festive seasons roll around. From Christmas and Valentine’s Day to birthdays and school celebrations, these cookies are soft, thick, and perfectly shaped every time, making them ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.
This recipe is designed to be friendly for home bakers of all skill levels. The dough is easy to work with, the cookies bake evenly, and the final texture stays soft for days. Whether you are baking with kids, prepping for a cookie exchange, or creating a beautiful dessert table, these cookies deliver reliable results with classic sugar cookie flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking
These cookies are popular for a reason. They combine simplicity, flavor, and visual appeal in one reliable recipe.
First, the texture is soft and tender, not dry or crunchy. Even after decorating, the cookies remain pleasant to bite into, which makes them perfect for guests of all ages.
Second, the dough holds its shape beautifully. Your stars, trees, hearts, or snowflakes will look just as good coming out of the oven as they did going in.
Third, the recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time. You can make the dough in advance, chill it, and bake when you are ready. This is especially helpful during busy holiday seasons.
Finally, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can flavor them slightly differently, decorate them in endless ways, and adapt them for different occasions all year long.
Ingredients for Easy Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract, optional
Simple Sugar Cookie Icing (Optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Butter should be fully softened but not melted. This helps create a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can replace it with extra vanilla extract. Almond extract adds a subtle bakery-style flavor but is not required.
For a dairy-free option, plant-based butter sticks can work, but choose one designed for baking to maintain structure.
Milk in the icing can be replaced with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside so it is ready to add later.
Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise consistently.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Creaming adds air to the dough, which contributes to the soft texture of the finished cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
Make sure the eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly into the butter mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 5: Roll and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions. Place each portion between sheets of parchment paper and roll to about ¼-inch thickness.
Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
Chilling is essential for cut out cookies. It prevents spreading and keeps shapes crisp.
Step 6: Cut Out Shapes
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Re-roll scraps as needed and return dough to the refrigerator if it becomes too warm.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden. The centers should remain pale.
Avoid overbaking. These cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Decorating warm cookies can cause icing to melt or slide off.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing (Optional)
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding small amounts of milk.
Divide icing into bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make cookies dry.
- Keep dough cold. If it softens while cutting shapes, refrigerate it again for 10 minutes.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Do not overbake. Soft cookies come from shorter bake times.
- Let cookies cool fully before stacking or decorating.
- Store decorated cookies in a single layer until icing sets.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Replace almond extract with lemon extract and add lemon zest to the dough.
- Orange Vanilla Cookies: Add orange zest and use orange extract for a citrus twist.
- Spiced Holiday Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Chocolate Cut Out Cookies: Replace ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Funfetti Cookies: Fold in ½ cup rainbow sprinkles after mixing the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Easy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking on a festive platter with hot cocoa, milk, or warm apple cider.
They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins or clear bags tied with ribbon.
For parties, arrange cookies by shape or color theme to create a visually appealing dessert table.
These cookies also work well as edible decorations for cakes or cupcakes.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer or separated with parchment paper once icing is fully set.
To freeze unbaked dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
Baked cookies can be frozen without icing for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
Values are approximate and based on one cookie without icing.
FAQ About Easy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking
Why do my cut out sugar cookies spread?
Cookies usually spread if the dough is too warm or the butter is overly soft. Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking helps maintain shape.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, this dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Do I need to use corn syrup in the icing?
Corn syrup helps the icing set with a smooth, glossy finish. If omitted, the icing will still work but may dry matte.
Can kids help make these cookies?
Absolutely. This recipe is great for baking with kids, especially during holidays. Adult supervision is recommended for oven use.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thickness creates cookies that are soft and sturdy enough for decorating.
Can I decorate without icing?
Yes, you can decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible markers. These cookies taste great even plain.
Easy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- cookie cutters
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Roll dough between parchment to ¼-inch thickness and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut dough into shapes and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies briefly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Baking are a classic recipe that belongs in every baker’s collection. They are reliable, versatile, and always a crowd favorite.
With a soft texture, beautiful shapes, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies make holidays and celebrations feel extra special. Once you try this recipe, it is likely to become a tradition you return to year after year.
