Cutout Cookies That Don’t Spread Their Joy (or Shape)

These chocolate chip cutout cookies are a game-changer for anyone who’s ever wished for sugar cookies that hold their shape—but also craved the joy of melty mini chocolate chips in every bite. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for holiday baking or a random Tuesday sugar rush.

And yes, we chill the dough—just enough to make your cutout cookie shapes precise and festive. No spreading. No drama. Just chewy, chocolate-kissed cutouts that are both beginner-friendly and bold enough to star in your next bake-off.

Ready to roll? Let’s make the best cutout cookies with mini chips—perfect for dunking, decorating, or devouring straight from the cooling rack.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Cutout Cookies

Imagine a cookie that keeps its cool, holds its shape, and brings the sweet drama of chocolate chips to every bite—without turning into a melty mess. Welcome to your new favorite obsession: chocolate chip cutout cookies that strut into the oven and come out looking fabulous.

• No chill time means nearly instant gratification (but just enough chill to keep things clean!)
• Mini chips = maximum chocolate with zero cutter chaos
• Kid-friendly and made for rolling, cutting, and snack-sneaking
• Hold their shape like a cookie with confidence—no spreading, no puffing
• Chewy texture with just enough crisp to satisfy the edge-lovers

Whether you’re channeling your inner Pinterest parent or just dodging a midweek meltdown with sugar therapy, these cookies rise to the occasion. And trust us—once you’ve made them, they’ll never be just a “holiday thing.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we turn your kitchen into a cookie-shaped confetti explosion, let’s talk about the dream team that makes these chocolate chip cutout cookies stand tall, taste amazing, and stay gloriously shapely.

• 1 cup unsalted butter – for rich flavor and sturdy structure
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar – sweet and simple
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar – adds moisture and depth
• 1 large egg yolk – richness without excess spread
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – flavor booster
• 1/2 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the backbone of your cookie canvas
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips – small enough to keep the dough smooth and cutout-friendly

Got your lineup? Great. Cue the apron and let’s get rolling—literally. It’s about to get deliciously hands-on.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s make cookie magic. These cutout cookies with chocolate chips are as easy to whip up as they are fun to cut into stars, hearts, dinosaurs—whatever shape fits the vibe. Just follow these simple steps to chewy, chocolate-speckled bliss:

1. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolk, beating until well combined.
3. Mix in flour one cup at a time until fully incorporated and the dough forms.
4. Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently by hand to keep those bits evenly distributed.
5. Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness—just thick enough for softness but not too bulky for shapes.
6. Chill the rolled dough for at least 30 minutes. It’s the secret to clean edges and stress-free cutting!
7. Cut into desired shapes using floured cookie cutters for crisp lines.
8. Bake on a parchment-lined tray at 350°F for 7–10 minutes, removing them right before the edges start to brown.

The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool. But once they do, it’s game on for decorating or devouring.

Got your lineup? Great. Cue the apron and let’s get rolling—literally. It’s about to get deliciously hands-on.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Cutouts

Cutout cookies are like cookie couture—clean lines, flawless edges, and just enough flair to make every bite a little celebration. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro pastry chef to nail it. Just follow these sweet little secrets to success and you’ll be serving edible art in no time.

• Roll evenly: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch thickness. Uneven dough leads to patchy baking and lopsided unicorns (the saddest cookie fate). Use parchment paper or rolling guides for stress-free smoothing.
• Flour your cutters: A light dusting keeps cutters from clinging to dough like a clingy ex—smooth exit, clean shape.
• Use parchment paper: It prevents spread, speeds cleanup, and lets you transfer delicate shapes with zero casualties.
• Watch that bake time: Pull cookies just before browning begins for soft centers and crisp, golden edges. Overbaked cookies are cute…but chewy cookies are life.
• Chill after rolling, not before: Flatten the dough before popping it in the fridge. This makes it easier to roll and cuts down on wait time—plus, it helps hold those shapes like edible origami.

Now you’re armed with all the know-how to roll, cut, and bake like a cookie ninja. Go ahead—flour up those cutters and show that dough who’s boss.

Decorating Ideas & Serving Suggestions

These cookies come out looking like sweet little canvases just begging for a makeover. Whether you’re in the mood for cozy vibes or full-on festive flair, these cutout cookies with chocolate chips are here for it. They’re chocolate-speckled and chewy with smooth surfaces perfect for dressing up—or down. 

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or white chocolate—zig-zags, stripes, or full-on Jackson Pollock
• Dust with powdered sugar for instant snow globe energy
• Dip edges in colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for sparkle and crunch
• Top with mini marshmallows and gently toast for s’mores-on-a-stick vibes
• Pipe simple frosting outlines for shape definition (great for parties or littles with tiny piping bags!)
• Stack & tie with ribbon for edible gifts—they look fancy, taste fantastic, and smell like nostalgia
• Serve with hot cocoa, milk, eggnog, or a side of laughter

No pressure to go full pastry Picasso—sometimes a dusting of sugar and a sprinkle of joy is all it takes. Decorate, serve, repeat.

FAQ – Chocolate Chips in Cutout Cookies

We get it—questions swirl faster than flour in a stand mixer. Here’s the cookie intel you knead to know:

• Can I use regular chocolate chips?
  Technically yes, but their chunky size might mess with your cookie cutter shapes and cause breakage. Stick to minis for maximum success.
• Can I leave the mini chocolate chips out?
  Absolutely! You’ll get soft, buttery sugar cookies that hold their shape beautifully. Great for when you want classic cutouts without the chip drama.
• Do these cookies spread?
  Nope! They hold their shape like a cookie soldier. Even your gingerbread giraffe will come out looking like…well, a giraffe.
• Can I freeze the dough?
  Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
• Can I skip chilling?
  You can, but your edges might rebel. A quick 30-minute chill calms the dough and helps keep those shapes crisp and clean.
• How do I store the cookies?
  Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies—just layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Still cookie-curious? Don’t worry—your oven’s got answers and your spatula’s got swagger.

Another Cutout Cookie Recipe You’ll Love

Looking for the classic sugar cookie base without the chip? Check out our tried-and-true favorite:
Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape—perfect for icing (the best cookie icing recipe included!), decorating, and holiday cheer on repeat.

Playlist: Bake & Decorate With Holiday Vibes

Whether you’re elbow-deep in dough or drizzle, this playlist brings the festive:

• “Sugar” – Maroon 5
• “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
• “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
• “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – Gayla Peevey (for cookie chaos with kids!)
• “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
• “Let It Snow” – Dean Martin
• “Hot Chocolate” – The Polar Express Soundtrack

Hit play, grab the icing, and get your sprinkle groove on. 

Cookie Exchange Ideas

Thinking beyond the cookie tray? Here’s how these chocolate chip cutout cookies can steal the spotlight at your next swap:

• Themed bags: Package cookies in pastel treat bags with printable name tags and sprinkle stickers
• Color-coded batches: Dip edges in different sprinkles for a rainbow lineup guests can choose from
• Edible place cards: Pipe names on cookies and use them as holiday table settings
• DIY decorating station: Set up a sugar-and-sparkle bar with frosting, toppings, and mini piping bags
• Cookie voting cards: Let guests rate cookies for “Most Likely to Be Devoured” and “Best Sprinkle Swagger”

Cookie exchanges don’t just share dessert—they share joy, community, and a whole lot of crumb-covered laughter. 

Bake It Till You Make It

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a rainy day, or just because your sweet tooth said so—these chocolate chip cutout cookies deliver joy straight from the oven. Soft, chewy, shape-holding magic without the spread stress. So grab those cutters, cue the playlist, and let the chocolate chips fall where they may.

Want a printable recipe card for kitchen-counter convenience? We’ve got you covered—just scroll down and snag the one we baked up just for you!