Perfect Sugar Cookies for Cut-Outs
Print recipeIngredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 2oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cups flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
| Step 1 | In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, using a hand mixer), cream the butter and cream cheese with the sugar. Beat for several minutes, or until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extracts, and lemon zest. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl then gradually add to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and a soft dough is formed. At this point the dough can, and should be, chilled or frozen. If making cookies in the near future, divide the dough into 2 balls and roll each out to 1/4 to 1/8-inch thickness between large pieces of parchment paper. Refrigerate or freeze for at least 1 hour. Dough can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave in the refrigerator overnight then proceed with the recipe. To bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment or a Silpat. Cut cookies out of the rolled dough and place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness. Let cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then remove to a wire rack. Cool completely before icing or decorating and store in a tightly covered container. |
