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The Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe That Holds Its Shape for Decorating

A close-up of several golden-brown sugar cookie cookies piled on a white plate, sprinkled with coarse sugar.
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This is the go-to recipe for homemade sugar cookies that stay soft and chewy while holding their shape perfectly for cutouts. You get buttery flavor and reliable results every time you bake.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling is key for cut out sugar cookies that don’t spread.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. For soft sugar cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • For the best results when decorating, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying royal icing or buttercream.
  • If your dough feels too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  • You can substitute the almond extract with more vanilla if you prefer a classic sugar cookie flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/best-soft-chewy-sugar-cookie-recipe/