Description
These Quick Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that require no chilling time, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, they hold their shape beautifully, ideal for decorating with royal icing or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (53g)
- 1/2 cup white sugar (100g)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour (420g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two sheet trays with parchment paper. Set aside to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and white sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds to incorporate well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all purpose flour, which may take about 1 minute to fully blend in. Then add the baking powder and kosher salt, mixing for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until the dough is combined and smooth.
- Form Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round ball. The dough should feel smooth and not sticky to the touch.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Position cookies about 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart—they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, depending on thickness. Cookies are done when the bottoms begin to turn a slight golden brown.
- Repeat and Decorate: Collect the remaining dough scraps, reroll, and cut out more cookies. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing as desired.
Notes
- No chilling time required—ready to bake immediately after mixing.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Decorate with royal icing or enjoy plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- If dough is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to make cutting easier.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 28g)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, quick cookie recipe, cut-out cookies, no chill sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, butter cookies, holiday cookies
