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Soft and Chewy Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe – Perfect for Decorating

If you’ve been searching for the perfect sugar cookie that’s soft, chewy, and holds its shape for decorating, this Soft and Chewy Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe is the one you need! These cookies are buttery, rich in vanilla flavor, and soft enough to melt in your mouth — yet sturdy enough for cut-out shapes, frosting, or royal icing. The secret? A touch of corn syrup for that tender, bakery-style chew, and a hint of almond extract that gives each bite a nostalgic sugar cookie flavor. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or any celebration, these cookies are a fun, creative treat for the whole family to decorate together.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake & Cooling & decorating time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products
  • 2 Large eggs
  • Condiments
  • 2 tbsp Light corn syrup
Dry & Flavoring Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar for icing
  • 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Almond extract
  • 1 Gel food coloring optional, for icing
Dairy
  • 3/4 cup Salted butter softened
  • 3 tbsp Milk

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • You’ll need:
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

step1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
step2:
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
step3:
  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
step4:
  1. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and corn syrup. Mix until smooth and creamy.
step5:
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should not be sticky — if it is, add 1–2 tbsp more flour.
step6:
  1. Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
step7:
  1. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes, then transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
step8:
  1. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned — this keeps them soft and chewy.
step9:
  1. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
step10:
  1. For the simple icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Divide into bowls and add gel food coloring as desired. Decorate cookies once fully cooled.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Decorated cookies can be stored for 4–5 days once the icing has set.
Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
🥄 Variations
Holiday Version: Use red, green, and white icing for Christmas; pastels for Easter or spring.
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace 1/4 cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Glazed Butter Cookies: Skip icing and brush warm cookies with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Sprinkle Fun: Add colorful sprinkles to the dough for an easy festive look.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why add corn syrup to sugar cookies?
It helps keep the cookies soft and chewy and adds a light shine when baked.
2. Can I use unsalted butter instead?
Yes, just add an extra 1/4 tsp salt to the dough.
3. Do these cookies hold their shape?
Absolutely — the cornstarch and butter balance make them perfect for cut-outs.
4. How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch for chewy cookies; slightly thinner for crispier ones.
5. Can I skip almond extract?
Yes — replace it with more vanilla for a pure vanilla flavor.
6. How long should the icing dry?
Let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature for 6–8 hours or overnight.
7. Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2 months.
8. What type of food coloring is best?
Gel coloring works best — it keeps icing thick and vibrant.
9. Can I use royal icing instead?
Yes, but this simple glaze icing is quicker and easier for soft cookies.
10. Why are my cookies tough?
Overmixing the dough or overbaking can make cookies less soft — mix until just combined.
🏁 Conclusion
These Soft and Chewy Cut Out Sugar Cookies are the ultimate balance of flavor, texture, and fun! Buttery, vanilla-rich, and beautifully chewy, they hold their shape perfectly for decorating.
Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend project, they’ll become your go-to recipe for sugar cookie perfection every time.