The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1

Cream together butter and sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer.

Step 2

Add vanilla and eggs and beat until combined.

Step 3

Add flour, baking powder and salt and beat until combined.

Step 4

Divide dough into two equal portions.

Step 5

Shape each piece of dough into a round, flat disc and wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Step 6

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 8

Line two to four large baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.

Step 9

Remove one sugar cookie dough disc from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 10

Place sugar cookie dough on a floured surface and roll to ½” or ¼” thickness (thicker = softer cookies).

Step 11

Use your favorite cookie cutter shapes and cut out the dough and place them 1” apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

Step 12

Repeat until all the dough is used. You can gather and re-roll the dough scraps two additional times (3 times total).

Step 13

Use a pastry brush and brush the cookies with a little bit of milk or cream. Then decorate with sprinkles, which will stick to the milk/cream.

Step 14

Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes or until cookies are puffed and just set around the edges.

Step 15

Remove and let sit on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 16

Repeat with second disc of dough.

Step 17

Combine all frosting ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 18

Start with 2 TBS milk and increase until your desired consistency is achieved.

Step 19

If using food coloring, separate frosting into smaller bowls and add food coloring to your liking.

Step 20

Place each color in a disposable piping bag fitted with your tip of choice.

Step 21

Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate cookies.

Step 22

Let decorated cookies sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or until the frosting is completely hardened. Chilling them in the refrigerator helps speed up the setting process.

Step 23

Store in an airtight container or on a plate wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the refrigerator.