Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (With a Hint of Lemon!)

Looking for the best cut out sugar cookie recipe? These are soft, lemony, and perfect for decorating! Even Cookie Monster would approve. Get the recipe!

June 2, 2025
By Isabella Romero.

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Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ever found yourself staring at a plate of pretty xmas cookies , wondering if you could actually bake something that looked that good? honestly, i used to feel the same way! that's why i'm super excited to share my cut out sugar cookie recipe with you.

It's not just any cookie recipe; it's a ticket to perfect sugar cookies , worthy of even the cookie monster himself!

From Humble Origins to Holiday Staple

Did you know sugar cookies have been around for centuries? they evolved from simple spiced biscuits and became a christmas staple, sort of like the kek lapis of the western world! this recipe is simple enough for beginners.

Expect to spend around 1 hour 30 minutes to make about 24-36 delightful cookies.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

These cookies aren’t just about the festive shapes and sprinkles. they are about the experience . the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen.

And did i mention these are the best sugar cookie recipe ? the hint of lemon makes them extra special.

They're a light dessert option, perfect for sharing during parties or enjoying as a köstliche desserts .

Alright, ready to dive in and make some seriously delicious Cutout Sugar Cookies ? First, let's peek at what you'll need. These aren't like Torte Cupcake ; they're simple, classic, and oh-so-satisfying.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these perfect sugar cookies . honestly, having the right stuff makes all the difference! it can be the difference between a cookie monster style gorge-fest and a flat, sad-looking failure.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get into all the details.

Main Ingredients

Right, so, for this cut out sugar cookie recipe , listen up! You'll need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) softened unsalted butter. The quality of the butter matters. Seriously. Go for the good stuff if you can. It will impart flavour to your bake
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar.
• 1 large egg. Free-range if you're feeling fancy.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon extract. This is my little secret for the best sugar cookies. Trust me!
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) baking powder.
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt.
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.

For the Royal Icing (optional):

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar. Sift it!
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) meringue powder.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water, plus more.
• Gel food coloring.

Remember the butter! it needs to be softened , not melted. i once microwaved it. epic fail. don't do it.

For true baking, the butter should be softened to the point where it is almost like a lotion consistency.

Seasoning Notes

This ain't just about sugar, lads!

• Vanilla and lemon are a dream team.
• Salt balances the sweetness.
• Feel free to add a touch of almond extract. Or even some mixed spice. It can turn them into xmas cookies !
• For something more exotic, why not try and Kek Lapis style spice?

I like to add a tiny pinch of cardamom. Makes them feel köstliche desserts .

Equipment Needed

No need to go mad here. Just a few essentials.

• Electric mixer. A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer works too.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
• Plastic wrap.
• Rolling pin.
• Cookie cutters. Get creative!
• Baking sheets.
• Parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Wire rack.
• Piping bags (icing).

Don't have parchment paper? foil works in a pinch! no rolling pin? a clean bottle will do. you can even use the side of a torte cupcake pan.

Get resourceful!. but honestly, those silicone baking mats are lifesavers!

Okay, let's dive into making the best sugar cookie recipe ever! honestly, who doesn't love a good sugar cookie? they're perfect for everything, especially xmas cookies or even just a treat with your afternoon cuppa.

I've tinkered with this cut out sugar cookie recipe for ages to get it just right. forget those bland, boring cookies! this one has a little secret: lemon.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting Up for Perfect Sugar Cookies

First things first: mise en place! it’s a fancy french term, but basically, it just means getting your act together before you start.

Soften that butter! seriously, it makes a difference. and measure out all your ingredients. i can't tell you how many times i've started baking only to realize i was short on flour.

Oops!

For organization, i like to pre-measure my flour into a bowl. that way, i'm not fumbling around while the butter and sugar are creaming.

Little things like that save you time and keep you sane, trust me. i also have my cookie cutters ready to go.

From Dough to Delicious: The Step-by-Step

Right, let's get to the nitty-gritty!

1. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) softened butter and 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes, so be patient.
2. Beat in 1 large egg , 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , and 1 teaspoon lemon extract . That lemon is our secret weapon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour , 1/2 teaspoon baking powder , and 1/4 teaspoon salt .
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix! You want tender cookies.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour . This is crucial. No cheating!
6. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, it helps avoid burning.
7. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use your favorite cookie cutters.
8. Bake for 8- 12 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Köstliche Desserts : Pro Tips for the Win!

• Don't skip the chill! This is probably the most important tip I can give you. Chilling prevents spreading.
• If your dough is sticky, add a tiny bit more flour. But be careful not to overdo it!
• For perfect cut-out shapes, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Less mess, less stress.

Honestly, these cutout sugar cookies are so good, even the cookie monster would approve. it can be decorated with royal icing for a torte cupcake -like effect, or even adapt the flavour of kek lapis with a bit of extra spice.

No matter what, enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into some crucial recipe notes for your cut out sugar cookie recipe . Making cookies should be a piece of Kek Lapis!

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce for Perfect Sugar Cookies

Honestly, getting these right is all about the details. You know?

Serving Up Smiles: Plating and Presentation

Presentation matters. no one wants a sad-looking cookie . think about festive platters for xmas cookies . maybe some milk shooters alongside? get creative! a bit of edible glitter never hurts, either.

It really makes them sparkle. i've found that even a simple arrangement can elevate the experience. even cookie monster would be impressed!

Storage Secrets: Keep 'Em Fresh

These best sugar cookies will last about 3 days in an airtight container at room temp. for longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.

Want to freeze them? go for it! just make sure they're completely cooled and well-wrapped. to reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

I like to put them in the oven at 300° f ( 150° c) for a few minutes to crisp them up.

That being said, they are köstliche desserts so they won't last long anyway.

Remixing the Classics: Variations

Want to make it your own? try a gluten-free version using a gluten-free flour blend. or how about swapping the lemon extract for orange zest? seasonal ingredients are your friends.

In autumn, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. for a torte cupcake , try adding cream cheese frosting to a cookie cup! honestly, the possibilities are endless!

Quick Nutrition: Knowledge is Power

Okay, so these aren't exactly health food. but, they do provide a little energy boost! roughly, each cookie is around 120-150 calories.

It has some fats and carbs. the magic comes from the sheer joy they bring. remember that everything in moderation.

Wrapping It Up

Baking these cutout sugar cookies is about more than just following a recipe. it's about creating memories and sharing joy.

Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and embrace those inevitable baking mishaps. with a little practice, you'll be whipping up the best sugar cookie recipe in no time! so, get your aprons on.

Start baking!

Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (With a Hint of Lemon!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:01 Hrs 20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:24-36 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water, plus more as needed
• Gel food coloring (various colors)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
8. Place cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a clean bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
11. Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or other decorations.
12. Allow the icing to set completely before storing or serving.