The BEST Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe (No Spread & Easy)

If you’re searching for a sugar cookie cut out recipe that’s buttery, soft in the center, and holds its shape perfectly, this is it. These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender with lightly crisp, golden edges and a rich vanilla flavor that feels like pure nostalgia in every bite.

During the holidays, my grandma would always make these sugar cookies, and all the grandchildren would gather around the kitchen to help cut out the dough and frost them. Truthfully, I probably ate more dough than cookies, but those memories are some of my favorites. Every batch brings me right back to those cozy, laughter-filled days, and I hope this recipe does the same for your family.

This sugar cookie cut out recipe is bakery-quality yet simple enough for anyone to make at home. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a quiet weekend treat, these cookies are everything you want: buttery, rich, and endlessly customizable.

What Makes Our Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe Stand Out

There are thousands of sugar cookie recipes out there, but here’s why this one’s special:

1. A touch of powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Instead of using only granulated sugar, this recipe blends both granulated and powdered sugar. The result? Cookies that bake up tender and buttery, with crisp edges that don’t crumble. The powdered sugar helps the dough stay soft while giving each bite that delicate, shortbread-like texture.

2. Real vanilla bean paste for flavor that shines.
Vanilla extract adds flavor, but vanilla bean paste adds depth. It gives these cookies that bakery-style richness, and those little specks of vanilla running through the dough make every cookie feel extra special. And if you’re tired of buying it, you can easily create your own at home with our Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe.

3. Perfect balance of soft and crisp.
These cookies stay soft in the center but bake up with perfectly defined edges that hold their shape. Whether you decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain, they taste buttery and rich, never dry or cakey.

4. Dough that actually behaves.
No spreading, no cracking, no sticking, just smooth dough that rolls out beautifully between parchment paper and cuts cleanly every time. Using parchment paper is my secret to skipping extra flour, which can dry out the cookies and make them less tender.

Watch How to Make Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this cut out sugar cookie recipe shine:

• Salted butter: The base of that rich, buttery flavor. It’s controversial, but I personally prefer baking with salted butter; it’s just better! But unsalted butter will work here too; add an extra pinch of salt.
• Granulated + powdered sugar: The secret combo for soft yet stable cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Egg: Adds structure and helps the cookies stay tender.
• Vanilla bean paste: Elevates the flavor, plus you’ll see the little specks throughout the dough. Talk about boujee!!!
• Almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty aroma that makes them taste like true bakery cookies.
• Flour, baking powder, salt: The foundation for structure and balanced flavor.

Get the full measurements in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe

1. Cream the butter and sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for 2–3 minutes, until pale, creamy, and fluffy. This step builds the cookie’s soft structure.

2. Add egg and extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract until smooth and thoroughly combined.

3. Add dry ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the mixer on low speed until a soft, dough-like texture forms. The dough should be smooth, not sticky.

4. Roll and chill

Divide the dough in half. Roll each half between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick for soft centers or ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick for crispier cookies.
Rolling between parchment prevents sticking and eliminates the need for extra flour. Cut into desired shape and chill the dough for 1–2 hours, or freeze for 20–30 minutes.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 8–11 minutes, until edges are barely golden and centers look set. Let cool 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a rack.

6. Decorate and enjoy!

Once cooled, decorate with your favorite frosting or our easy sugar cookie icing recipe in the recipe card below.

Tips for Perfect Cut Out Sugar Cookies Every Time

• Chill the dough: This keeps edges clean and prevents spreading. If you’re impatient like me, use the freezer!
• Roll before chilling: Most recipes suggest chilling the cookie dough, then rolling it out. It’s so much easier to roll right after mixing between 2 pieces of parchment paper. Rolling cold dough isn’t always easy.
• Pale edges = perfect: Overbaking leads to dry cookies. Always remember cookies continue to bake on the hot sheet tray even after being removed from the oven.
• Measure accurately: Too much flour can make cookies tough. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping, or use a scale for best results.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Dough: Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Before baking, let the dough soften slightly if chilled. If your cookies are already cut and rolled, you can bake them straight from the cold; they’ll hold their shape beautifully.
• Baked cookies: Keep undecorated cookies airtight at room temperature for 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
• Decorated cookies: Once icing is fully set, layer between parchment and store airtight at room temp for up to 5 days.

How to Flavor & Shape this Sugar Cookie Cut Out Recipe

• Funfetti: For a fun twist, add 2 tbsp rainbow sprinkles to the dough.
• Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Lemon or almond: Swap vanilla for lemon or almond extract for a twist.
• Holiday shapes: Hearts, snowflakes, pumpkins, the dough works perfectly for any cookie cutter.

FAQ on Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

More Holiday Recipes:

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
• Homemade Hot Chocolate
• Vanilla Pound Cake
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get to Baking!

These buttery sugar cookie cutouts are everything a classic cookie should be — nostalgic, rich, and perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing holiday gifts, or creating a cookie box, this recipe delivers consistent, picture-perfect results every single time.

Bake a batch, decorate to your heart’s content, and don’t forget to share a little sweetness with someone who needs it.

Don’t forget to leave a review and tag me on social media @everythingjustbaked! I love seeing what you create!