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This recipe for cutout sugar cookies that don’t spread is the only one you will need for this Holiday’s decorating activities. No one wants a Santa cookie that looks like an orange or a snowflake cookie that looks like a thick starfish and that’s why in this recipe I will give you all the secrets to make the best no-spread sugar cookie recipe ever!

Since you are here, check out these Christmas sugar cookies, Christmas reindeer balls, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, this classic sugar cookie recipe, as well as these Christmas chocolate-covered marshmallows.

Cutout sugar cookies that don't spread
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Ever since I moved to the US my obsession with cutout sugar cookie skyrocketed. They are fun, made with simple ingredients, and make the holiday season that much more festive because come on! Who doesn’t love decorating cookies!?

With this recipe I was hoping to share a cutout sugar cookie that would keep its shape when baked to allow you to have the most accurate shape to decorate and play with.

While keeping that in mind I didn’t want cookies that become rock hard or lacked flavor at the same time so I made sure to add enough vanilla extract to make up for that while still keeping them sturdy enough while baking.

These are the best Christmas cookies ever!

At the same time, I wanted to allow the vanilla flavor to really shine through to make the cookie actually super tasty as well. This is a simple recipe that will yield something phenomenal so I can’t wait for you to try it!

I also know I am emphasizing Christmas cookies a lot in this post but to be honest, you can make these anytime. I usually make these for any festive holiday that calls for decorated cookies. Try hearts on Valentine’s Day, bunnies for Easter, and even shamrocks for St Patrick’s day. The possibilities are really endless.

So what are you waiting for?! This is the perfect time of year to make these cutout sugar cookies and decorate them with friends and loved ones! if you do try this recipe and enjoy it don’t forget to let me know in the comments down below what you thought of them. It would mean the world! Happy baking!

Why you need to make this recipe!

  • They don’t spread making them perfect for cookie decorating.
  • These cookies have a delicious vanilla flavor to them.
  • They are not rock hard.
  • These cookies would be a fun activity to do with your little ones around the holiday season.
  • They are perfect for first time cookie decoration!
  • It is literally the best sugar cookie recipe.
Ingredients on the counter

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

  • Butter- This recipe will use softened butter. Make sure to use unsalted butter for these buttery sugar cookies!
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt- Always add a little salt to your baked goods to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
  • Vanilla extract- We use high-quality vanilla extract to ensure that the great flavor is there. You can also use vanilla butter emulsion to keep the flavors from evaporating when baking your cookies. You can also add a little almond extract if you are an almond flavoring fanatic!
  • Eggs- The eggs are the binding agents of this recipe.
  • Milk- This will thin out the dough just enough to allow us to roll it.
  • Flour- All-purpose flour works great for these holiday cookies.
  • Cornstarch- Adding cornstarch to these holiday cookies with make them tender and more enjoyable.
  • Baking powder- This recipe uses a tiny bit of baking powder to make the cookies extra light.
Star cutout cookie iced

How to make cutout cookies?

This is how you can make these Christmas cutout cookies. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed in a stand mixer using a paddle attachment.
  2. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk and mix for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Mix in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda just until the flour mixture disappears.
  4. Roll the sugar cookie dough on a parchment line surface to about 1/3 inch in thickness.
  5. Cut the cookie shapes using your favorite cookie cutters and bake in the oven.
  6. Let the cookies cool down on a wire rack before decorating with your favorite royal icing recipe.

Of course, make sure to bake the big cut-out sugar cookies a bit longer while making sure that you bake the smaller cookies less.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Can this dough be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cookie dough a few days ahead of time just make sure to wrap the cookie dough with plastic wrap well before placing it in an air-tight container in the fridge. If you notice your dough getting a bit dry, it would be a good idea to add a few drops of milk or heavy cream to the dough to moisten it up a little.

How to store cut-out cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Of course, you can store this original recipe in the fridge for a little longer!

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes you can. Make sure to wrap the cookies tightly with plastic wrap before replacing them in an airtight container and into the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight before decorating.

Can I use an electric mixer to make these cookies?

You sure can. It would take a little longer than if you were using a stand mixer but it is very doable. Make sure that you are creaming the butter and sugar well before adding in the rest of the wet ingredients.

Christmas tree cutout cookie

If you don’t have a cookie cutter you can always use a glass to cut out round cookie or you can use a ruler and a knife to make squares, rectangles or

Can these no spread cutout cookies be frozen raw?

Yes! You can freeze your cutout cookie shapes raw and bake them from frozen for a few more minutes whenever you are ready to have them. This is a great way to have your favorite cutout cookies on hand and bake them when needed.

What is the difference between cutout sugar cookies and regular drop sugar cookies?

The cutout sugar cookies are made by rolling out the dough to the desired thickness and cutting it into shapes to decorate later before baking. While the drop cookies are pretty much scoop-and-drop cookies that are more resemblant to chocolate chip cookies in texture (minus the chocolate chips)

What is the best frosting to use for these cookies?

This will depend on preference.

Cutout sugar cookies
Cutout sugar cookies that don't spread
4.92 from 50 votes

The best no spread cutout sugar cookies

These easy cutout sugar cookies are one of the best cookies you'll ever make. They are soft, and packed with vanilla flavors.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 9 minutes
Total: 39 minutes
Servings: 45 cookies
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 & 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
  • 2 eggs large, at room temperature
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • 1/8 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
    1 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Add in the egg, the vanilla extract, and the milk and mix for another 2-3 minutes. Mix in the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Stop mixing as soon as the flour mixture disappears.
    1 tsp salt, 1 & 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 4 cups flour, 2 tbsp corn starch, 1/8 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp milk
  • On a parchment-lined surface, sprinkle some flour, add your cookie dough, and sprinkle some more flour on top then roll the dough to about 1/3" then cut out the cookies using your favorite cookie cutter, bake the larger cookies for 9-10 minutes and the smaller ones for 6-7 minutes.
  • Let the cookies col down fully before decorating!

Notes

If you need an icing recipe try this glossy cookie icing that hardens!ย It’s the one I used in these photos!

Nutrition

Calories: 99Calories | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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4.92 from 50 votes (38 ratings without comment)

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40 Comments

  1. M. says:

    4 stars
    I made them last week and everyone loved them!
    I didn’t use all the dough and wrapped it up tightly in the fridge, can I still bake them?
    Thanks so much!

    1. Chahinez says:

      Yes you can but only for a couple days! I would freeze the dough for longer storage.

  2. Cheryl Helm says:

    5 stars
    Made these sugar cookies today, refrigerated the dough about 2 hrs, then rolled out and cut cookies. I added an extra 1/4 cup sugar, used half and half for milk, baked 10 minutes on USA pan. Turned out very nice! Perfect edges!

  3. Lindsey Doolittle says:

    5 stars
    Perfect texture. Light and soft. super easy to use. thanks

  4. Gigi says:

    5 stars
    Very happy with this recipe! Thank you!

    1. Linda. Simmer says:

      wany to try them. the recipe i have is for the soft cookies. also I would like to find recipe for a frosting that’s not so sticky like the one I have

  5. K says:

    Will this still work with gluten free flour?

    1. Chahinez says:

      It should as long as you’re using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes binding ingredients like xanthan gum.

  6. Peg says:

    5 stars
    I made these for Christmas 2023,(last year) and they were a hit! This is my go-to recipe for sugar cookies. Indeed the cornstarch is a secret ingredient! I used a detailed cookie plunger which imprints the design on the cookie, and for those I did not use icing. They were delish as is! (I did use royal icing and accents of gold dragees on the larger snowflake cookies. )This year I am going to replace the vanilla extract with a vanilla butter emulsion; less is needed as it maintains the flavor better than alcohol-based extracts. (Who knew?)

    1. Chahinez says:

      What a great tip! Vanilla butter emulsion is so smart

  7. Katie says:

    3 stars
    How thick do your roll them.

    1. Chahinez says:

      โ…“ inch.