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As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in homes everywhere. Among the myriad of festive treats, festive cut-out sugar cookies stand out as a timeless classic, beloved by children and adults alike. Their versatility allows for endless creativity, whether you're crafting whimsical shapes, intricate designs, or simply enjoying the sweet simplicity of a classic cookie. Baking and decorating these cookies has become a cherished family tradition, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply within the hearts of many.

Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Get ready for a fun baking adventure with these festive cut-out sugar cookies! Perfect for any celebration, this simple recipe combines all-purpose flour, butter, and sweet extracts to create a delightful dough. Cut them into your favorite shapes, bake until golden, and decorate with colorful icing or sugar for that extra festive flair. These cookies are not only delicious but also a perfect activity for the whole family. Enjoy about 24 sugary delights!

Ingredients
  

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

Colored sugar or icing for decoration

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

        Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl, and mix until well combined.

          Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

            Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

              Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on ungreased baking sheets.

                Decorate: If desired, sprinkle cookies with colored sugar before baking or leave them plain for later icing.

                  Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; cookies can quickly go from underbaked to overbaked!

                    Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

                      Decorate as Desired: Once cooled, decorate with icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles as desired.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Servings: About 24 cookies.