Get ready to transform your kitchen into a magical cookie wonderland with these irresistible Vanilla Sugar Cookie Cutouts! Imagine crisp, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, filling your home with the most heavenly vanilla aroma. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are about to become your new obsession. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these versatile cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and create delicious memories.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
- In a large stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be pale and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cut cookies carefully onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- If desired, gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and cut additional cookies to maximize yield.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden. Avoid over-baking to maintain a soft texture.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Keep your butter at room temperature for the perfect creamy consistency, but not too soft.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie shapes.
- Use a light touch when rolling out dough - too much handling can make cookies tough.
- Invest in quality cookie cutters for clean, precise shapes.
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
- Store cookies between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
