Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape
There’s something irresistibly cozy about the ritual of rolling out sugar cookie dough, cutting shapes that sparkle with nostalgia, and patiently chilling it while visions of sprinkles dance in your head. These soft cutout sugar cookies that hold their shape bring all the bakery-style flavor—thanks to butter, vanilla, and a hint of almond—and they’re purpose-built for decorating with icing, edible glitter, or all the holiday magic your heart can handle.
Yes, we chill the dough. Because good things take time, and these are the best sugar cookies for royal icing, cookie swaps, and joyful kitchen moments. So grab your cookie cutters, cue the carols, and let this easy holiday sugar cookie recipe become your seasonal signature—one sweet bite at a time.
Why These Are the Best Sugar Cookies for Icing
These easy holiday sugar cookies are a dream for decorators and busy bakers alike. They’re:
- Soft and tender with crisp edges
- No-chill—just mix, roll, and bake!
- Cutout-friendly and hold their shape beautifully
- Perfect for royal icing, buttercream, or edible glitter
- Ideal for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or cozy snow-day fun
Whether you’re piping snowflakes or painting pumpkins, these cookies are your blank canvas.
Ingredients for Soft Sugar Cookie Dough
Cue the sleigh bells and preheat the oven—these soft cutout sugar cookies are bringing the festive sparkle and a whole lot of flavor. We’re skipping the margarine drama (seriously, butter or bust), dialing up the vanilla, and inviting almond extract to the party for that nostalgic bakery-fresh aroma that screams cookie season.
Whether you’re aiming for Pinterest perfection or letting the kids go wild with sprinkles, this dough is forgiving, flavorful, and ready to be the star of your holiday cookie tray.
-
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, slightly softened (Butter gives better flavor and structure than margarine. Skip the swap!)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (adds a bakery-style flavor boost!)
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
- Sugar Cookie Icing (see below)
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or royal icing
Pro Tip: Butter beats margarine every time. For rich flavor and sturdy cookie structure, don’t even think about that swap! It’s the key to cookies that taste homemade (not cafeteria-made).
Why “Spooned & Leveled” Matters: Measuring flour correctly is the secret to soft cookies that hold their shape. Spooning & leveling flour means lightly filling your measuring cup with flour using a spoon, then scraping the top flat with a knife. This avoids compressing the flour, which can lead to dry, dense cookies. It’s a small detail with a big payoff—trust us, your cookies will taste like love.
Simple Glossy Sugar Cookie Icing
This sugar cookie icing is smooth, glossy, and perfect for both dipping and piping. No need for meringue powder—just pantry staples and a little patience.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2–3 teaspoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla, if preferred)
- Food coloring (gel recommended)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar and 2 teaspoons milk until smooth.
- Add corn syrup and almond extract; mix until icing is glossy and flows easily. Add the third teaspoon of milk if needed.
- Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Use immediately to dip or paint cookies, or transfer to piping bags for detailed decorating.
Tip: Icing will harden slightly as it dries, perfect for stacking or packing.
How to Make Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: 2 hours (includes chilling) Total Time: 4 hours (includes cooling) Yield: ~18 medium cookies (double for a crowd!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients. Dough will be soft.
- Divide dough in half. Roll each half between parchment to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Chill rolled dough for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes. Edges should be set but not browned.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Decorating Ideas for Every Occasion
These cookies are perfect for:
- Christmas trees, snowflakes, and stars with royal icing
- Valentine’s hearts with pink buttercream and nonpareils
- Halloween pumpkins with orange glaze and black piping
- Birthday initials with edible glitter and sprinkles
Try this royal icing recipe for crisp outlines and smooth flooding. Or use your own signature glaze!
Storage Tips & Freezer-Friendly Info
- Room Temp: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days
- Fridge: Up to 10 days (especially if decorated)
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (plain or decorated) for up to 3 months. Tip: Freeze dough discs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before rolling.
FAQs About Sugar Cookie Success
Do they spread? Nope! These sugar cookies hold their shape like champs.
Can I skip chilling? Yes! For a true no-chill sugar cookie recipe, roll and bake immediately. But chilling helps with clean edges.
Can I use margarine? Butter is best for flavor and texture. Margarine may cause spreading.
Can I freeze decorated cookies? Yes! Let icing set completely, then layer with parchment in airtight containers.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This dough scales beautifully.
These soft cutout sugar cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie swap, or just craving something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab your favorite cutters, cue the holiday playlist, and let the decorating begin.
Well, sugar, if you’ve made it this far—you’re officially invited to the sweet side of baking bliss. These soft cutout sugar cookies are here for your cozy nights, cookie exchanges, and those “just one more” moments we all pretend to resist. So grab your cutters, sprinkle with abandon, and let your frosting skills shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
Want the magic in printable form? Tap below for your recipe card, your new holiday baking sidekick. No crumbs left behind.
Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape
These soft cutout sugar cookies hold their shape and stay tender—no chilling required! Perfect for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. A festive go-to for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and cozy kitchen memories.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, slightly softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 2¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For Decorating:
- Sugar Cookie Icing
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or royal icing
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 95Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 68mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.