Treat your family to the magic of this soft cut out sugar cookie recipe! These cookies guarantee a fun-filled baking experience and delicious memories to share with your loved ones.

Twelve decorated christmas sugar cookies on a cooling rack.

Welcome to the delightful world of soft cut out sugar cookies, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a canvas for creativity, especially during the festive season!

There’s something so special about creating such a delicious treat from scratch! This soft cut out sugar cookie recipe is inspired by a classic sugar cookie recipe that I loved as a kid.

Embrace the joy of baking traditional Christmas cut out cookies with your loved ones as you roll out the dough and create whimsical shapes that just scream “holiday season.”

This homemade recipe, just like Grandma’s, will transport you back to warm memories of cozy kitchens. The cookies come out thick, ready to be decorated with royal icing, transforming them into edible works of art.

So, gather your little helpers, dust off the cookie cutters, and embark on a baking adventure that will create lasting memories for years to come. These decoratable cut out sugar cookies are more than just treats…they’re a heartwarming tradition that connects you to your loved ones and the joy of the season!

Ingredients needed to prepare soft sugar cookies to cut out.

How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookies

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

Part one: The cookies!

STEP ONE: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Combining baking soda and milk in a small mixing bowl.

STEP TWO: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the milk, then add it to the sugar mixture.

STEP THREE: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring well until everything is fully combined.

Combining ingredients for sugar cookie dough in a white mixing bowl.

STEP FOUR: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Avoid rolling warm dough as it may stick.

Chilled cookie dough rolled out on a floured surface. Cookie cutters on top to cut out shapes.

STEP FIVE: Take out the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface. You can roll the Christmas sugar cookies thin for a soft and fluffy texture when baked.

STEP SIX: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Twelve sugar cookie dough cut outs on a parchment lined baking sheet.

STEP SEVEN: Bake the Christmas cut out cookies for 5-6 minutes until they’re just done with no spreading. Then remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack.

Twelve baked Christmas Shaped sugar cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.

STEP EIGHT: Once the Christmas sugar cookies are completely cooled, frost and decorate them as desired. Be sure to refer to the recipe card below for instructions on making the icing!

Decorated Christmas sugar cookies on a serving platter with decorating supplies in the background.

Tips for the Best Christmas Cut Out Cookies

Avoid overworking the dough, as it can make the cookies tough.
Re-chill the dough if it becomes too soft while working with it.
Wait to decorate the cut out sugar cookies until they are completely cooled.
Dip your cookie cutters in flour before making shapes to prevent the dough from sticking.
Don’t make the icing until you’re ready to decorate your Christmas sugar cookies because the icing will harden after a few hours.

Variations for this Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

For an extra Christmassy twist, divide the dough in half and color one half with red food coloring, then roll together for a beautiful swirl effect.
Use almond extract in the dough for a subtle almond taste that compliments the royal icing.
Have fun and get creative with decorations using colored sugar, sprinkles, and icing.

Close up view of a Christmas Stocking decorated sugar cookie resting on additional decorated cookies.

More Cookie Recipes

Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough and Bake it Later?

Yes, you can freeze the dough, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. Make sure to let it thaw before baking, but don’t let it get too warm!

Chilled cookie dough is key to making sure the cookie holds shape.

How Can I Make Sure I Make Soft Sugar Cookies Instead of Crispy Ones?

To keep them soft, avoid overbaking. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.

My Grandma’s sugar cookies were always perfectly soft, so I always make sure to keep a watchful eye on the cookies as they bake.

An assortment of Christmas decorated sugar cookies.

Can I Add Decorations to the Cookies Before Baking?

Yes, you can add sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils before baking. The sprinkles may melt a little bit, but not completely!

More Christmas Treats

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