Disclosure: This recipe for No Chill Sugar Cookies contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without making our favorite soft baked No Chill Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting. This go to recipe has been a family favorite for generations!
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Originally published May 2011 and updated December 2024
For many, decorating sugar cookies for the holidays is a time-honored family tradition for generations.
A house festively decorated and twinkling lights in the background, paired with festive and vibrant holiday music, sets the scene for Christmas cookie fun!
I might be a tad bit biased, but this soft baked No Chill Sugar Cookie, that has been in our family for generations, is the perfect cut out sugar cookie recipe and the cookies hold their shape.
To be honest, I have made many other sugar cookie recipes over the years. Both in my professional culinary career, but also in my personal quest to determine if this recipe is truly the best.
In the end, I keep coming back to this precious tried and true family recipe.
Other cut out sugar cookies simply weren’t up to par as the dough was too crumbly or had to be chilled for hours before baking. Other issues I encountered with other recipes were cookies that broke or were flavorless.
Yes, I can confidently say that this No Chill Cut Out Sugar Cookie recipe is truly the best cut out cookie recipe!
Not only has it been thoroughly tested, as it has been made hundreds, if not thousands of times, in my own family, it always gets rave reviews from you all, saying it comes out perfect every time.
Helpful Tips and Information:
How to make sugar cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed, until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Slowly add the flour and the baking powder mixing just until combined.
- Spread a light amount of powdered sugar on a large cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies using desired cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees 6 – 7 minutes, or just until light brown on the bottom.
How do I make frosting for sugar cookies?
While royal icing can create stunning, professional looking cookies, we prefer the taste and ease of working with buttercream frosting. Below is our simple and go to buttercream recipe.
Do frosted sugar cookies contain vanilla?
Yes, both our sugar cookie recipe and our homemade buttercream frosting recipe contain pure vanilla extract.
How to decorate cookies?
How you decorate sugar cookies is personal preference. We prefer buttercream frosting, so you could simply use a butter knife to spread the frosting on the cookie and top the frosting with holiday sprinkles.
However, if you would like more professional looking cookies, invest in piping bags and assorted piping tips to achieve different designs.
CAN YOU FREEZE sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both sugar cookies and the sugar cookie dough. If freezing the cookie dough, place dough in an airtight freezer safe food storage container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw dough completely in the refrigerator and then continue the cookie making process by rolling out and cutting the dough.
Baking Tips for perfect cut out cookies:
- Lightly dust your work surface with powdered sugar, instead of flour, to prevent cookies from sticking when rolling out your dough. Using flour will make your cookie dough tougher, while the powdered sugar will keep it light.
- Correctly measure flour by using the spoon and sweep method.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Use a light color cookie sheet for even baking.
- Cream your butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes. You want the mixture to be smooth and pale yellow in color.
- Do not over bake! Cookies should be removed from the oven just when they begin to turn light brown on the bottom and edges. Cookies will finish setting up as they cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes.
IF YOU LIKED THESE Christmas Cookies, THEN YOU WILL LOVE THESE OTHER COOKIE RECIPES:
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies – These soft baked pudding cookies are packed with plump cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips.
Easy Ornament Cookies – These adorable, decorated Oreo cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges!
Peppermint Sugar Cookies – Classic sugar cookies get a festive touch with a hint of peppermint!
The Best No Chill Sugar Cookies
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without making the best ever soft baked No Chill Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookies:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Powdered sugar, as needed
- ---
- Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ---
- For Decorating:
- Prepared buttercream frosting
- Sprinkles
- Candy
Instructions
- For Sugar Cookies: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed, until light and fluffy, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Slowly add the flour and the baking powder, a little at a time, to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Spread a light amount of powdered sugar on a large cutting board or clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to approximately 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies using desired cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees 6 – 7 minutes, or just until set and light brown on the bottom.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, decorate and frost as desired with buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
- For Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and some milk a little at a time, beating until frosting is smooth and creamy. Add additional milk or powdered sugar, if needed, to reach desired consistency.
Notes
*PLEASE SEE THE "HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION" SECTION ABOVE FOR ADDITIONAL RECIPE NOTES.
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These are the best sugar cookies! Come out perfect every time!