Soft cut-out cookies that are a delightful treat, especially when adorned with colorful sprinkles or icing.

Soft cut-out sugar cookies are a delectable treat, embodying the essence of homemade comfort. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a velvety texture, these cookies invite a delightful indulgence. The dough, rolled out after chilling, yields a tender bite that melts in the mouth. Adaptable to various shapes and adorned with colorful sprinkles and icing, they become edible canvases for creativity. These cookies embody the joy of baking, offering a nostalgic taste that lingers on the palate. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated, soft cut-out sugar cookies are a timeless classic, capturing the essence of warmth and celebration in every delightful bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 14/-1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Cookie Dough
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Divide Dough in Half and Chill
   • Divide dough in half. Place each half on a non-stick surface or parchment papered dish or plate. cover lightly with non-stick cover or parchment papered cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper (optional). Using a nonstick baking sheet works as well.
4. Roll and Cut Shapes
   • On a floured or powder sugared surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Ball up and re-roll out the dough as needed until no more cut-outs can be made with it. if it gets too sticky you can re-refrigerate or add a bit more flour to get through the process depending on your timing.
5. Bake
   • Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
6. Cool
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Icing
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
8. Decorate
   • Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or drizzle the icing over the cookies. Allow the icing to set before serving. Sprinkling with sugar sprinkles to your heart’s content before baking also works. Using royal icing for intricate decorating is advised. Included icing is for more of a glaze, drizzle or dip technique.

These soft cut-out cookies are perfect for any occasion, and you can let your creativity shine when decorating them. Enjoy your delicious and charming homemade treats!