Table of Contents

Kittencal’s Buttery Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Icing That Hardens

The scent of sugar cookies baking always transports me back to childhood Christmases. My grandmother, a formidable baker, would spend days crafting hundreds of these delicate treats. I remember standing on a stool, mesmerized as she rolled out the dough, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and butter. While her recipe was a closely guarded secret, these cut-out sugar cookies capture that same magic and bring back those cherished memories with every bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 35-40 cookies
Yield: 35-40 cookies
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (the sugar must be sifted)
1 tablespoon milk (adding in more if needed for proper spreading consistency)
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon almond extract (can use ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in place of the almond)
Food coloring (use your choice of colors)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Small mixing bowl
Plastic wrap
Cookie sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Wire racks
Waxed paper
Brush (for icing, optional)

Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the 2 eggs, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the butter mixture. Continue beating until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just well blended. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten and make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Cookie Sheets: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Do not grease the cookie sheets, as the parchment paper will prevent the cookies from sticking.
Roll Out the Dough: On a very lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a rolling pin and apply even pressure to ensure a consistent thickness.
Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes from the rolled-out dough.
Arrange on Cookie Sheet: Place the cut-out cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 4-6 minutes. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the cookies and your oven. Watch them closely, and remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and running.
Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, mix the 2 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more, if needed, for the perfect spreading consistency.
Add Corn Syrup and Extract: Beat in 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract (or ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract) until the icing is smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add a small amount more of corn syrup.
Color the Frosting: Divide the icing into as many separate bowls as you wish for different colors. Add food coloring to each bowl until the desired intensity is achieved.
Decorate: Paint the icing over the cooled cookies using a brush, or dip the edges of the cookies into the icing.
Set: Allow the iced cookies to set on waxed paper until the icing has hardened.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. It should be soft enough to easily cream but not melted.
Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading and ensuring a crisp texture. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, but 2 hours is ideal.
Even Rolling: For even baking, try rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This helps to maintain a uniform thickness.
Re-Rolling Scraps: When you have scraps of dough left over after cutting out shapes, gently press them together and re-roll. However, avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Icing Consistency: The consistency of the icing is crucial. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily. Adjust the amount of milk or corn syrup as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Hardening the Icing: If you want the icing to harden quickly, you can place the iced cookies in the refrigerator for a short period.
Flavor variations: Experiment with different extracts in the icing, such as lemon, orange, or peppermint, to create unique flavor combinations.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these buttery cut-out sugar cookies at room temperature. They are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special treat any time of year.

To store, place the completely cooled and iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the un-iced cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely before icing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	144.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	35%
Total Fat	5.7 g	8%
Saturated Fat	3.5 g	17%
Cholesterol	24.6 mg	8%
Sodium	107.8 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	22 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	12.6 g	N/A
Protein	1.6 g	3%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Dairy-Free: While the original recipe requires butter for optimal flavor and texture, you could experiment with a dairy-free butter alternative for a modified result.
Vegan: While the cookies contain butter and eggs, they could be made vegan by using a vegan butter substitute and an egg replacer.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is chilling the dough so important?
A: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and resulting in a more tender cookie.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the salt content, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the amount of salt you add to the dry ingredients.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet?
A: Lining the cookie sheet with parchment paper is the best way to prevent the cookies from sticking. Do not grease the parchment paper.

Q: My icing is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a small amount of milk or corn syrup, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: How long will the iced cookies last?
A: The iced cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

These buttery cut-out sugar cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a journey back to simpler times, filled with warmth and sweetness. I encourage you to try this recipe, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and create your own cherished memories with these delightful treats. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the icing colors and decorations – and most importantly, share your creations with those you love! Enjoy!

Kittencal’s Buttery Cut-Out Sugar Cookies W/ Icing That Hardens Recipe