Description
This Sugar Cookie Cutouts with Icing Recipe features classic, soft, and buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating. The cookies are rolled out and cut into festive shapes, then topped with a smooth, sweet icing and colorful sprinkles, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227 g)
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (344 g)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Icing:
- 4–5 tbsp milk (60–75 ml)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (390 g)
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and better shape retention during baking.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes, placing them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Add additional milk if the icing is too thick. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily.
- Decorate the Cookies: Using a spoon or piping bag, spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Immediately add sprinkles as desired before the icing sets. Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and egg to ensure the dough mixes smoothly.
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean-cut shapes and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Adjust the milk in the icing to achieve the desired consistency for spreading or piping.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well – freeze un-iced cookies and decorate after thawing.
Keywords: sugar cookies, cutout cookies, iced cookies, holiday cookies, decorated cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe