Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
These cookies that I’m sharing with you are my go-to, my no-fail recipe for sugar cut out cookies that actually hold their shape (they’re also great for any time you’re looking for an awesome sugar cookie recipe!)
There is nothing more frustrating than taking time to lovingly bake a batch of sugar cut out cookies only to have them puff up or loose their shape (or puff up AND loose their shape). Has that ever happened to you? It’s the worst!! What you want is a consistent cookie that is easy to make and turns out every time (and one that is delicious!) Which is exactly what these cookies are: they hold their shape and turn out perfectly every time and are a delicious cookie in-and-of-themselves!
And while I was originally going to call these the ‘best ever sugar cut out cookies’ I realize that everyone probably has their very own favorite recipe (in food blogger circles it’s like saying you have the best recipe for chocolate chip cookies…even if you do, there’s always someone that thinks their recipe is better and will probably make fun of you behind your back 😉 and i most certainly don’t want that lol).
Christmas cookie baking was always part of the holidays when I was growing up. We’d gather around and make what seemed like a bazillion cookies. Frosting isn’t really big in European cookie baking (ok, i could be wrong, but I can honestly say that I do not remember making frosting for sugar cut out cookies – other than chocolate of course, dipping your cookies in melted chocolate doesn’t count, right?) but what is big is adding a bit of lemon zest. It perks the flavor of the cookies right up!
Besides the lemon zest, this recipe is a pretty straight forward sugar cut out cookie recipe. It holds its shape, and one major trick is that after you make your dough, you’ll roll it out, cut out your cookie shapes, and then put them on a lined baking sheet and only then PUT THEM IN THE FREEZER for 10 minutes, then straight into the oven after. No cooling and then rolling. You roll, cut, and then cool!
That is the trick will leave you with perfectly baked sugar cut out cookies that actually hold their shape with a slightly golden brown color. They’re good by themselves or can be frosting.
I’ve shared mini gingerbread houses made out of graham crackers with a gingerbread house glue that dries in under 10 minutes-I’m so excited for the holidays, how about you?
Other recipes you might enjoy:
- M&M Surprise Cookies
- 5 Ingredient Tuxedo Chip Cake Mix Cookies
- Caramel Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Sugar Cut Out Cookies {that actually hold their shape}
It’s not always easy to make a sugar cookie that holds its shape and tastes (and looks) good. I made these amazing state shaped cookies and just had to share with you. These cookies are perfect if you have an intricate cookie cutter or a shape you want to hold up, they’re also perfect for holding up and being frosted.
4.28 from 359 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tsp lemon zest zest from 1/2 the lemon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour plus more for rolling cookies out
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
In the bowl of stand mixer add the butter sticks and the sugar and "cream together" (cream together refers to the process of vigorously mixing/beating the butter and sugar together so that they incorporate very well, there is no cream added) about 3 minutes, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg, lemon zest, baking powder and vanilla extract, then beat again for 2 minutes until a creamy yellow color.
Next add 3 cups flour and 1/2 tsp salt and mix on low speed to combine (about 2 minutes). Cookie dough will be almost crumbly, but that's ok, press it together with your hands and form it into two balls. If it doesn't come together with your hands add in a teaspoon of water and then try pressing it together.
On a floured surface or board roll out one of the cookie dough balls to desired thickness level (they won't rise much) then cut out shapes and place on a parchment paper or silicone baking mat lined baking sheet.
Put baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
After 10 minutes take the baking sheets out of the freezer and bake for 10 minutes (or until edges start to turn golden brown.)
Remove cookies from oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling wrack for them to cool completely before frosting, or enjoy without frosting!
Notes
These sugar cookies are a more European sugar cookie,the're subtly sweet, but the cookie itself is not overly sweet. The cookies are perfect for a sweet frosting. If you like a sweeter cookie, add a little extra sugar.[br]If the dough is too crumbly add a teaspoon of water, and if still too crumbly add another teaspoon and knead it.
The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.
Nutrition
Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
Related Posts
Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /home/customer/www/sweetphi.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/related-posts-for-wp/classes/class-post-link-manager.php on line 430
Warning: Attempt to read property "post_title" on null in /home/customer/www/sweetphi.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/related-posts-for-wp/classes/class-post-link-manager.php on line 463
Warning: Attempt to read property "post_excerpt" on null in /home/customer/www/sweetphi.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/related-posts-for-wp/classes/class-post-link-manager.php on line 471Warning: Attempt to read property "post_content" on null in /home/customer/www/sweetphi.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/related-posts-for-wp/classes/class-post-link-manager.php on line 471
Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /home/customer/www/sweetphi.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/related-posts-for-wp/classes/class-post-link-manager.php on line 473
5 Ingredient Toasted Pecan Snowball Cookies
These 5 ingredient toasted pecan snowball cookies are such an easy Christmas cookie to make.…
5 Ingredient Chewy Brownie Cookies
Brownies in cookie form? Yes please! With these 5 ingredient chewy brownie cookies you'll be…
Chocolate Rolo Stuffed Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Chocolate! Rolo Stuffed! Crinkle Cookies! I am so excited to share this insanely delicious cookie…
Reader Recreations
Reader Recreation – Sugar Cut Out Cookies
Reader Recreation – Sugar Cut Out Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Hashtag with us! Be sure to follow/tag @sweetphiblog and hashtag #sweetphiblog – we love to see what you’re cooking up!”
Get the Weekly Newsletter right in your inbox
Reader Interactions
Comments
Amy says
Can the dough be saved in the freezer?
Reply
Sweetphi says
Yes, it absolutely can
Reply
Jennifer says
Thank you for this recipe! This was our first time making successful roll out cookie dough, my daughter is very happy!
Reply
Nancy says
I just made these, they turned out exactly how I cut them out, held the shape! Bonus to making them, they are absolutely delicious!! These will now be my “best sugar cut out cookies”!! Thanks
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much Nancy, so glad you love these cookies as much as I do!
Reply
Nancy says
Do these cookies turn out soft or crispy? I usually bake average size sugar cookies for no more than 8-9 minutes in order to get soft cookies. I also roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. I am hoping that these will turn out soft and still hold their shape without poofing up.
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi Nancy, these cookies turn more like a firm sugar cookie (I wouldn’t exactly use the word crispy though) but they’re not like a soft/chewy cookie, it will break if you try to bend it if that makes sense. They’re like a standard frosted cookie that will hold it’s shape and not poof up or spread.
Reply
Sylvia Enriquez says
Can I use confectioners powdered sugar to roll dough out
Reply
Sweetphi says
I’m sure you could, I never have so I don’t know for sure, but I assume it would work…only thing is that it might make the cookies sweeter!
Reply
Gerri says
What cream do we use and how much?
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi Gerri,
there is no cream in this recipe. You add the butter and sugar and ‘cream’ them together, which is what it’s called when you vigorously beat them together. I’ll update the recipe in case that is not clear 🙂
thanks for your commentReply
Joy says
Is that unsalted butter?
Reply
Sweetphi says
Yes, but I’ve used salted butter also, so it’s whatever you have on hand 🙂
Reply
Vicky says
I’m cooking for somebody with a citrus fruit allergy – how much will the dough structure be affected by leaving out the lemon zest? Thanks!
Reply
Sweetphi says
It won’t affect the dough structure much, just the taste a little, I’d say you’re ok leaving out the zest 🙂
Reply
Vicky says
Thank you!
Reply
Elizabeth says
These are really fantastic! I didn’t have a lemon so I added the zest of 1 small lime plus 1tbs lime juice. Followed all other directions exactly and the cookies taste like they were made at a good bakery! They held their shape very well and didn’t spread much at all. I’m putting this recipe in my permanent collection!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness, thank you SO MUCH for this sweet comment, so happy that lime worked instead of lemon 🙂
Reply
Joann says
can I use power sugar instead of regular sugar?
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi Joann, unfortunately no, powdered sugar cannot be used instead of regular sugar in this recipe.
Reply
kristina davis says
Hello if you don’t us lemon zest will these cookies still turn out.
Reply
Sweetphi says
Yes, these cookies will still turn out with lemon zest, but they taste really good with it in them 🙂
Reply
Millie says
Hi! I have so many cookie cutters in my kitchen yet I haven’t been able to use a single one yet. I just found you recipe while trying to figure cookie stuff out and I am facinated by it…I think I am going to give this a try tomorrow while my siblings are at school…I also remembered I may have had a recipe that came with a set of cookie cutters I got that I am going to look into. I will come back and let you know how the cookies went with your recipe! ^_^
Reply
Sweetphi says
I think you’ll love this recipe, can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you 🙂
Reply
Eva says
I really want to try this recipe as I have a cookie cutter and stamper I want to try. Can I sub the freezer time for 15-20 mins in the fridge instead?
Reply
Sweetphi says
I think you’ll love this recipe, and yes, you can sub freezer time for time in the fridge 🙂 Hope you enjoy.
Reply
Kara says
This recipe is amazing!! I used it and they not only held their shape but they were so good. My kids loved them
Reply
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness, thank you SO MUCH for coming and leaving that amazing comment, truly made my day!
Reply
Jessica Tonkinson says
Super good on their own. I made some cinnamon sugar butter to put on top before putting in the freezer and then baking and it tastes just like a cinnamon cookie it’s delicious.Reply
Sweetphi says
Oh I love the sound of that cinnamon sugar butter on top, thank you for sharing that awesome feedback!
Reply
Em says
Just finished making these (I’ve still got flour on my hands) and…WOW! They held their shape perfectly! I actually forgot to freeze one batch, and they still didn’t spread too badly. Very happy with this recipe!
Reply
Sweetphi says
YAY! Thank you so much for commenting and sharing feedback – I’m so glad you liked these cookies (I use the recipe anytime I need cut out cookies 😉 )
Reply
Elena Novak says
Hi there! Thank you for the recipe! The cookies turned out delicious, however, mine did spread… I think your secret is in the 10 minutes in the freezer. It is a step that I cannot do because I simply don’t have the freezer space to fit a cookie sheet… I live in a tiny space and my freezer fits a couple of bags of frozen veggies, that’s it! I also cannot have baking powder because it is a mixture of corn starch and baking soda and my kids are allergic to corn. I made a mixture of baking soda and arrow root to substitute for baking powder and I don’t know if that may have caused the misshaping too… Anyways, the taste is great! Thanks.
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi Elena, thanks for stopping by and telling me how they turned out. The secret to these cookies is definitely putting them in the freezer, so that is definitely the key, also I haven’t cooked with arrow root so I’m not sure how that affected them. Glad you loved the flavor 🙂
Reply
Elena Novak says
Hi SweetPhi! I wanted to give this recipe another try with a few modifications… and succeeded making delicious and beautiful cookies. So I thought I’d share with you and anyone who struggles with gluten-free diets (it is a tough one for bakers!). I ended up getting very small cookie sheets at Home Goods to fit my tiny freezer, so I could enjoy the shapes I cut out. We chose pumpkins with different faces (cut and press style). So here are the modifications that worked!
Use 3 1/2 cups of sprouted organic oat flour
Add 1/4 cup arrow root to the recipe
Instead of baking powder, use 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp arrow rootI also added 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger and an extra 1 tsp of vanilla extract. I did use the lemon zest per recipe as well. I added an extra 1/2 tsp of sea salt (so a total of 1 tsp in the whole recipe)
Finally, I used 3/4 cup or organic maple sugar and 1/2 cup organic coconut sugar instead of the recommended amount of regular sugar.
Use plenty of flour to roll the dough out… this dough is very delicate, but it works with a little patience and a healthy dose of anticipation and optimism!
I used the rest of the recipe as is and the instructions as you wrote them. They are a success today and my kids are really excited about them! I have a 4 year old who reacts badly to gluten, so this is a real blessing for us to find a recipe that now works!
Thanks again!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi Elena,
Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and write those wonderful modifications you made to make the recipe work for your family (and I’m sure it will be super helpful to anyone with dietary restrictions!). Great cooking and baking is all about making modifications and adaptations to fit your family 🙂
All the best,
PhiReply
Amber Dawnn says
Just made these and they hold their shape really well! They weren’t as sweet as I am used to but I’m going to add frosting. And I did add a tiny bit of water to them because they were a little hard to roll for me, but they held their shape!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for the feedback. Sometimes if a little too much flour is put in on accident they do get crumbly, but a few drops of water helps them out. These are a European cookie so they’re not super duper sweet. Hopefully with the frosting you reached the desired level of sweetness, I’m totally going to make a note about the sweetness though just so that others know 🙂 Thanks again for the feedback, and don’t you love how they hold their shape?
Reply
Amber Dawnn says
Yes a bit of frosting gave them that extra bit of sweetness I needed and yes I’m still very impressed with the ability to hold their shape! Tried over 7 other recipes before I found this one now my search is over!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness, thank you SO much for coming back and commenting, that comment totally made my day! So glad my recipe worked for you 🙂
Reply
MyWifeMakes.com says
These are such beautiful photos of even more beautiful cookies!
I remember the first time I made sugar cookies as a teenager…well, my lions ended up spreading into hippos. ;(
I’ve been quite traumatized by that and have only made them a few times after, but always end up freaking out during the icing process because they never turn out the way I envision them. SIGH!
I’m so glad you’ve shared this no-spread recipe, It’ll be the one I use the next time I muster the courage to make sugar cookies!Reply
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness, that definitely does not sound like a great sugar cookie making experience lol! Definitely give this recipe a try, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how amazing they turn out!
Reply
Kim Le says
Can I add vanilla essence? If yes, how much do u recommend? Thanks
Reply
Sweetphi says
You could add vanilla extract, I’d recommend 1 teaspoon
Reply
JJ says
Hello , I’m wondering why my sugar cookies shrunk after baked :'(.. please assist here. Thank you very much.
Reply
Sweetphi says
Hi – I’m thinking that you might have had a touch too much flour in, that is commonly why they would shrink. When you’re measuring flour, try to make sure not to over measure, hope that helps 🙂
Lynn Lovejoy says
I love love LOVE these sugar cookies! They are perfect!! I wish I had this recipe when I was struggling to make my little airplanes lol! I love adding lemon zest though, I usually use lemon extract but now I want to try the zest! What a fabulous recipe and idea! Love it Phi!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Next time you need a sugar cookie recipe you know where to come to 🙂 I think you’ll love the addition of the lemon zest, it is a very subtle flavor that goes so well with sugar cookies
Reply
I adore sugar cookies! I shared my Nana’s recipe that I have been making and eating since I was a little girl! Love your little cut outs…I need to get those snowflakes!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Thanks girl! Sugar cookies and the amazing memories associated with them are the best, aren’t they?
Reply
Sugar cookies are such an important festive treat and I love the fact that you gave such amazing tips to make sure they turn out perfect! <3 Pinning!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much girl 🙂
Reply
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Ahh I typically HATE making sugar cookies because they alwaaaays spread on me! I need to try out this recipe, because sugar cookies are so so delicious. Pinned!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Girl, you totally have to try this, your cookies will hold their shape and you’ll love making sugar cookies 🙂 And I really appreciate the pin (trying to grow my pinterest 🙂 so every pin helps!)
Reply
Sugar cookies are one of mine all-time favorites!! They are so good with a cup of coffee. I’ll apply your tip of freezing them next time. Pinned!
Reply
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for the pin, truly appreciate that, and now I want a cup of coffee with some of these sugar cookies 🙂
Reply
Susan Craig says
I love the tip for freezing the cookies before putting them in the oven. I will try that. Thanks.
Reply
Sweetphi says
I think you’ll love these cookies, thank you so much for your comment!
Reply
We are both doing sugar cookie recipes today! Yay for being on the same brain train! I hate when mine go all poofy and risey and ick, so this is SO great girl! Pinned!
Reply
Sweetphi says
That is the worst when things don’t turn out when you’re making cut out cookies, just the worst lol! Thank you so much for the pin, and I’m going to have to go check out your sugar cookies (great minds 🙂 )
Reply
Trackbacks
[…] classic fruit pizza, which are typically on a sugar cookie-type crust, so I based this recipe on my sugar cut out cookies, but made themhealthier by using whole wheat flour, and by usingless butter/sugar. The whole […]
Reply
[…] a cookie that I’ll really be proud of that will scream the holidays to me. Two years ago I made sugar cookies that actually hold their shape and dark and stormy cream pies, and last year I made s’mores cookie […]
Reply
Reply
[…] of what was left, which was more than enough for our little party. For the sugar cookies, I went here, to Sweet Phi to try and make my cookies a success this time (would be the first time, as […]
Reply
[…] bring these with her when we get together in January for my bachelorette weekend. She also made Sugar Cut-Out Cookies that actually hold their shape. I wish I had this recipe several weeks ago when I made those Airplane Cookies and my first batch […]
Reply
[…] Sugar Cut Out Cookies that actually hold their shape […]
Reply
Leave a Reply
As an experienced baker and enthusiast, I've delved deep into the world of sugar cut-out cookies, experimenting with various recipes and techniques. One key element that caught my attention in the provided article is the emphasis on creating cookies that not only taste delicious but also hold their shape after baking. I understand the frustration that comes with spending time on intricately shaped cookies only to have them lose their form.
The article highlights a no-fail recipe that stands out for its reliability in maintaining the desired shapes during baking. The author recommends a specific method, including freezing the shaped cookie dough before baking, which is a brilliant strategy to preserve the shapes and prevent unwanted spreading.
Here are the essential concepts and tips discussed in the article:
-
No-Fail Sugar Cut-Out Cookies:
- The article presents a go-to recipe for sugar cut-out cookies that consistently hold their shape.
- The author emphasizes the importance of reliability and taste, aiming for cookies that are not only visually appealing but also delicious.
-
Freezing Cookie Dough:
- A key technique mentioned is freezing the shaped cookie dough for 10 minutes before baking. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their shapes during the baking process.
-
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) at room temperature
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Egg: 1
- Lemon Zest: 1-2 tsp (zest from 1/2 lemon)
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Flour: 3 cups (plus more for rolling out cookies)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
-
Mixing Method:
- Cream together butter and sugar vigorously for about 3 minutes.
- Add egg, lemon zest, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat for an additional 2 minutes until creamy yellow.
- Incorporate 3 cups of flour and 1/2 tsp salt, mixing on low speed for about 2 minutes. The dough may be crumbly, but it's okay. Press it together with hands and form it into two balls.
-
Rolling and Freezing:
- Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface to the desired thickness. Cut out shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the baking sheet for 10 minutes before preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown.
-
Additional Tips:
- The article mentions that these sugar cookies have a slightly golden brown color and are subtly sweet, making them perfect for frosting.
By incorporating these concepts and tips into your sugar cut-out cookie baking, you're likely to achieve cookies that not only look delightful but also maintain their shapes consistently. Happy baking!
