Baking cut-out sugar cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I love making these No-Chill Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with my family. There’s something special about getting together in the kitchen, rolling out dough, and using every cookie cutter in the collection—we seriously have them for every holiday and occasion!
What makes these cookies even better is the fact that there’s no chilling required so that we can enjoy our cookies in no time. We might not be the most artistic bunch (our cookies are more “charming” than perfect), but they taste absolutely delicious.
I prefer to use a fluffy icing that’s the perfect balance between royal icing and buttercream—it’s thicker than royal icing, so it holds its shape, but it’s not as heavy as buttercream, which makes it more versatile for decorating. If you have a go-to icing recipe that you love, feel free to substitute it here—it’s all about what works best for you and your family!
Whether using colorful sprinkles or keeping them simple, these cookies always bring holiday cheer. This simple recipe is a holiday staple in our home, and I know it will be in yours, too!
Ingredients for the Cookies:
- 2 ½ sticks butter (softened, but not melted)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredients for the Fluffy Icing:
- 6 tbsp soft butter (but not melted)
- 2 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the butter by letting it come to room temperature, or soften it in the microwave for about 15 seconds (don’t let it melt!).
- Beat the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until they are thoroughly combined and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat for another 30-40 seconds until smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to make shapes, then place the cutouts onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the icing: In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until well combined. Add the softened butter and continue mixing until the icing is soft and fluffy.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the fluffy icing over the cookies. Feel free to add sprinkles or any other edible decorations to make them festive and creative!
These cookies are perfect for sharing, decorating, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
