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The Best Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe That Holds Its Shape for Perfect Cutouts

Close-up of several perfectly round, slightly crinkled sugar cookie rounds stacked on a light ceramic plate.
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This is the classic, buttery sugar cookie recipe you need. These homemade sugar cookies bake up soft and chewy but hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for cutouts and holiday decorating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling prevents spreading.
  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 chilled 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. The edges should look set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. For crispier edges, bake closer to 10 minutes.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before you apply frosting.

Notes

  • For the best cutout results, chill the rolled-out dough on the cookie sheet for 15 minutes before baking.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
  • These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple royal icing or classic buttercream frosting for decorating.
  • If you are making holiday sugar cookies, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla for a richer flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-holds-shape/