Cut-Out Christmas Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

Soft sugar cookies with slightly crisp edges, perfect for festive cut-out shapes and topped with a smooth vanilla icing. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 30 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cups (for icing) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
• as desired (optional) food coloring

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until combined.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add 2 tbsp milk and continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm enough to roll.
5. Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough half to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To prepare the icing, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.
8. Step 8: Once cookies are cooled, spread or pipe the vanilla icing over the tops. Allow icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.