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Beginnerbakes
Soft Sugar Cookie Cutouts Recipe with Easy Royal Icing Decoration
By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished Apr 2, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American
30 mins
beginner-friendlystep-by-stepkid-friendlypartycomfort-foodeasyroyal-icingminimal-ingredientssnackcookie-cutouts
Bake soft and flavorful sugar cookie cutouts decorated with smooth, easy royal icing. This beginner-friendly American cookie recipe is perfect for kids and parties, featuring tender cookies that hold their shape beautifully and simple instructions for delicious, decorative treats.
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
30 min
Servings
24
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
24
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- For Royal Icing
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4 to 5 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set dry ingredients aside.
-
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
-
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together. If sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft but manageable.
-
Divide the dough into two portions. Lightly flour the work surface and rolling pin.
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Roll out one portion to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut dough shapes, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Repeat rolling and cutting with the second portion. Gather scraps, roll gently, and cut additional cookies.
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Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to ensure softness.
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Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
To make royal icing, combine sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl.
-
Add 4 tablespoons warm water and mix on low speed with a hand mixer until smooth and glossy. Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach desired consistency – thick for outlines, thinner for flooding.
-
Divide icing into small bowls and add food coloring if desired.
-
Use piping bags or zip-top bags with a small corner cut off to decorate cooled cookies. Allow icing to dry completely, 2 to 4 hours, before storing.
-
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Modify this classic soft sugar cookie cutout recipe to accommodate dietary needs with these ingredient substitutions:
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour blends with xanthan gum for gluten-free baking.
- Butter: Replace with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free options; coconut oil imparts a subtle flavor.
- Egg: Substitute with flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, rested 5 mins) or commercial egg replacers for vegan/allergy-friendly baking.
- Sugar: Use coconut sugar or low-glycemic sweeteners to reduce sugar content; adjust sweetness to preference.
- Almond Extract: Omit or replace with vanilla or lemon extracts for nut-free recipes.
- Royal Icing - Meringue Powder: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) whipped to stiff peaks as a vegan and egg-free meringue powder alternative.
These alternatives preserve softness, tenderness, and shape, making the recipe flexible for various dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Equipment Needed
Gather these essential baking tools for making soft sugar cookie cutouts with royal icing decoration:
- Mixing Bowls: Medium bowl for dry ingredients and large bowl for creaming butter and sugar.
- Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer to cream ingredients and mix royal icing smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of flour, sugar, extracts, and other ingredients.
- Sifter: To sift powdered sugar for smooth, lump-free royal icing.
- Baking Sheets: Two standard-sized sheets for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: To line baking sheets and prevent cookies from sticking.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling dough evenly to the ideal thickness.
- Cookie Cutters: Assorted shapes to create festive sugar cookie cutouts.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For folding ingredients and scraping bowls clean.
- Piping Bags or Zip-Top Bags: For decorating cookies with royal icing; piping tips optional for detailed designs.
- Small Bowls: For dividing and coloring icing.
- Kitchen Scale (Optional): Helpful for precise ingredient weighing, excellent for beginners.
Having these tools ready ensures smooth, enjoyable baking, perfect for beginners and kids alike.
Ingredient Prep Notes
Flour: Use all-purpose flour as stated for ideal cookie texture and cutout shape. For gluten-free baking, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Lightly dust surfaces with flour to prevent sticking but avoid excess for tender cookies.
Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for proper creaming with sugar. For dairy-free diets, solid plant-based butter substitutes work well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard; alternatives like coconut sugar or sweeteners can alter taste and color slightly but work for variations.
Egg: Binds dough and adds moisture. Vegan substitutes include flax eggs or commercial egg replacers.
Extracts: Vanilla extract delivers classic flavor; almond extract adds optional nutty notes and can be omitted or swapped for allergy-friendly flavors.
Royal Icing Ingredients: Powdered sugar sifted for smoothness; meringue powder stabilizes the icing. For vegan/egg-free icing, use egg-free meringue powder or aquafaba as a substitute.
General Tips: Chilling dough 15-30 minutes eases rolling and improves shape retention. Re-roll scraps gently to prevent toughness. Accurate measuring is essential for consistent results.
Oven Note
Ensure perfect soft sugar cookies with these oven tips tailored for beginners:
- Preheat Fully: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking for even cooking.
- Use Oven Thermometer: Confirm true oven temperature for consistent results as oven dials may be inaccurate.
- Center Rack Baking: Place trays on the middle rack for balanced heat and even baking.
- Watch Bake Time: Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers stay soft; start checking at 8 minutes.
- Line Baking Sheets: Use parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote uniform baking.
- Avoid Opening Oven Door: Frequent door opening causes temperature drops affecting cookie texture and rise.
Following these tips ensures soft, tender sugar cookie cutouts ready for decorative icing.
Easy Upgrade Ideas
Elevate your sugar cookie cutouts with these beginner-friendly upgrades:
- Flavor Variations: Swap almond extract for citrus zest (lemon, orange) or add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Fun Frosting: Add cocoa powder to royal icing for chocolate flavor, or use vibrant food coloring for themed decorating.
- Crunch & Texture: Press mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts onto dough before baking.
- Creative Shapes and Layers: Use seasonal or holiday cookie cutters. Make sandwich cookies filled with colored royal icing.
- Natural Sweetness: Fold in finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for bursts of flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Encourage kids to decorate using multiple icing colors and sprinkles for interactive fun.
- Healthier Options: Substitute part of the flour with whole grain, or use alternative sweeteners in icing without compromising taste.
- Make Ahead & Freeze: Prepare dough or decorated cookies in advance and freeze for convenient future treats.
Try these ideas to personalize your cookies and enjoy the baking journey!
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