The Story & Intro
Ever since I was a little girl in Crete, holiday baking meant rolling up my sleeves, dusting the kitchen with flour, and filling the house with the warm smell of sugar and butter. One of my favorite traditions was making No-Spread Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with my grandmother. She taught me that the secret isn’t just in the ingredients it’s in the care you put into each shape and each sprinkle.
I remember sitting at her old wooden table, carefully pressing cookie cutters into stiff dough and watching the shapes hold perfectly on the baking sheet. There was something magical about how simple ingredients flour, sugar, butter, eggs could transform into festive stars, hearts, and trees that made every holiday feel extra special.
These cookies are perfect for busy bakers who want beautiful cut-outs without worrying about them spreading into unrecognizable blobs. They’re also ideal for decorating with kids, friends, or for gifting to loved ones. And yes, the process is just as joyful as eating them!
This recipe for No-Spread Cut-Out Sugar Cookies is simple, reliable, and delicious. The dough is easy to handle, the cookies bake beautifully, and they taste buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth. Let’s make your holiday baking effortless, festive, and full of joy.
Your 100-Word Personal Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, holiday baking was always a highlight in my kitchen. Making No-Spread Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with my grandmother taught me patience, precision, and the joy of creating treats that delight everyone. These cookies hold their shape perfectly for decorating, making them a fun and stress-free holiday activity. I love sharing recipes that bring people together, warm hearts, and fill homes with festive aromas. This classic, easy sugar cookie recipe is perfect for kids, parties, and gifts. Let’s make holiday memories one cookie at a time!
Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies
- Hold their shape no spreading into unrecognizable blobs
- Perfect for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or chocolate
- Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Easy for beginners but impressive for pros
- Great for holiday gifts, parties, or just snacking
- Can be made ahead and frozen
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are a guaranteed holiday favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For decorating:
- Royal icing or glaze
- Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or colored sugar
- Melted chocolate for drizzle (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
5. Chill the Dough
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling ensures your cookies won’t spread in the oven.
6. Roll Out and Cut Shapes
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Decorate
Once cookies are completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or chocolate. Let icing set before stacking or packaging.
Serving Suggestions
- Package in holiday tins or boxes for gifting
- Arrange on a festive platter at parties
- Serve with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee
- Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a magical touch
These No-Spread Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are versatile, beautiful, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cookies
- Chill dough before cutting to maintain shape
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Don’t overbake cookies should be pale golden
- Rotate baking sheets halfway for even baking
- Freeze dough scraps for later baking
These tips will make your holiday baking stress-free and fun!
Recipe Card
🕒 Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Bake: 10 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Decorations: icing, sprinkles, chocolate 🍫
🍳 Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and extracts.
- Mix in dry ingredients until soft dough forms.
- Chill dough 1 hour.
- Roll ¼-inch thick and cut shapes.
- Bake 8–10 min at 350°F.
- Cool, then decorate with icing and sprinkles 🎨
📝 Notes
- Chill dough to prevent spreading
- Use cookie cutters of all sizes for variety
- Freeze scraps for later baking
🔢 Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
These No-Spread Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat they’re a tradition that brings joy, creativity, and warmth to every holiday kitchen. They’re reliable, beautiful, and fun to make, whether you’re baking with kids, friends, or by yourself. From my Cretan kitchen to yours, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles, sweet memories, and a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations. Perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying right off the tray, they’re a must-have in your holiday baking lineup.