• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
SALTED sweets
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Shop
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Shop
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Cut Out Sugar Cookies (without baking powder or baking soda)

    Published: Mar 31, 2022 · Modified: Nov 28, 2022 by Brooke Homec · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    139 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    These cut out sugar cookies, without baking powder or baking soda, are great to use with any shaped cookie cutter. They keep their shape perfectly while remaining so buttery and soft.

    sugar cookies without baking powder or baking soda stacked up tall.

    Cut out sugar cookies (without baking powder or baking soda) are one of my favorite things to make during any holiday season. I love using cute shapes to cut them out, and my kids always love helping to frost them. These cookies are so quick and easy to make, with very few ingredients.

    If you're looking for other versions of sugar cookies to make you should try my crispy chewy sugar cookies that don't have frosting. Or my salted brown sugar cookies, that only use brown sugar. And my brown butter pumpkin sugar cookies are perfect for the fall time.

    sugar cookies without baking powder or baking soda cut into spring shapes with bright colored frosting

    WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE COOKIES

    NO SPREADING- Without the baking powder and baking soda, these cookies hold their shape perfectly.

    FUN TO MAKE- These cookies are some of my kids very favorite to make because they love decorating them with colored frosting and sprinkles.

    BASIC INGREDIENTS- These are made with all the staple ingredients that most people keep on hand.

    INGREDIENT NOTES

    • Butter- You don't want your butter to be right out of the fridge, but also not too soft. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
    • Sugar- These cookies only use granulated sugar which give the edges a nice crisp look.
    • Egg- Allow to sit out with the butter before starting.
    • Vanilla- Some people also like to add some almond extract, which is great. You can do half and half, or all vanilla.
    • Flour- If you have a scale, make sure you weigh out your flour. If not, spoon it into your measuring cup so it doesn't get to packed in.
    ingredients needed to make sugar cookies.

    STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

    • STEP 1: Place the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
    • STEP 2: Add egg and mix on low until smooth, about 30 seconds. Beat in vanilla.
    • STEP 3: Slowly mix in salt and flour, being careful not to over mix. I usually stop when I still have some flour remnants around the bowl.
    • STEP 4: Shape the dough into a large disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours to make sure the dough is completely chilled.
    dough
    dough wrapped in plastic
    • STEP 5: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • STEP 6: Remove dough from the fridge and allow to sit out for about 10-15 minutes. Lightly flour a mat or surface and roll out the dough until its about ¼ inch thick. I like to have thicker cookies. Cut with cookie cutters, and re-roll dough as many times as needed until all the dough has been shaped.
    cutting out shapes of sugar cookies.
    shapes placed on a cookie sheet before baking
    • STEP 7: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Allow to completely cool before frosting.
    cookies freshly baked on cookie sheet.

    EXPERT BAKING TIPS

    These cookies are actually my favorite on the second day. After I have allowed the frosting to set I place the frosted cookies into an airtight container and try to resist eating as many as I can until the following day. They soften and the butter and vanilla flavors really come out after sitting.

    The butter and eggs should not be completely chilled from the fridge, but should also not be room temperature. I try to let them sit out for about 15-30 minutes before I begin my cookie making!

    I have given both cups and grams as measurements. Grams will be more precise, especially when measuring flour. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, no problem! Just lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup to insure its not packed in there. Light and fluffy is the key.

    FAQ

    Do you have to refrigerate the dough before rolling and cutting it out?

    It is best to chill the dough because it allows the cookies to be easier to cut shapes, and also helps them keep their shape.

    Do you have to have cookie cutters to make these sugar cookies?

    No! You can roll out the dough and cut them into circles using a cup.

    Do I have to frost these cookies?

    You don't have to frost them. I think they are delicious with or without the frosting. You can also roll them in sugar if you'd like.

    flowers and butterfly shapes of sugar cookies without baking powder or baking soda.

    STORING

    We actually love these cookies best after they've been sitting in an airtight container for a day. They soften a bit and the vanilla flavor really starts to come through. So I try and make them the day before we are wanting to eat them or serve them somewhere. After frosting I let the frosting harden by sitting for a bit, then I place them back on my cookie sheet with a lid, or into a few large ziplock bags. They can be stored on the counter for 3-4 days tasting just as fresh.

    FREEZING

    These cookies freeze great. You can freeze the dough before rolling and cutting, or you can freeze the cookies before or after frosting. Just place them in an airtight container and they can be stored for up to 3 months.

    sugar cookies with frosting on baking sheet.

    OTHER COOKIES RECIPES TO TRY

    Cookie Butter Marshmallow Cookies

    Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

    Snickerdoodle Cookies

    For more yummy treats follow me on instagram @thesaltedsweets. And be sure to tag me and comment below if you make them and love them as much as I do. 

    Make sure to leave a star review below!

    sugar cookies without baking powder or baking soda stacked tall.

    Cut Out Sugar Cookies (without Baking Powder or Baking Soda)

    Brooke Homec
    These cut out sugar cookies, without baking powder or baking soda, are great to use with any shaped cookie cutter. They keep their shape perfectly while remaining so buttery and soft. 
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    2 hours hrs
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 25
    Calories 204 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Cookies:

    • 1 cup butter room temp
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg room temp
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

    Buttercream Frosting:

    • ¼ cup butter
    • 2 tablespoon whipping cream or milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2 cups powdered sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Place the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
    • Add egg and mix on low until smooth, about 30 seconds. Beat in vanilla.
    • Slowly mix in salt and flour, being careful not to over mix. I usually stop when I still have some flour remnants around the bowl.
    • Shape the dough into a large disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours to make sure the dough is completely chilled.
    • Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Remove dough from the fridge and allow to sit out for about 10-15 minutes. Lightly flour a mat or surface and roll out the dough until its about ¼ inch thick. I like to have thicker cookies. Cut with cookie cutters, and re-roll dough as many times as needed until all the dough has been shaped.
    • Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Allow to completely cool before frosting.
    • To make frosting blend butter milk and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until completely smooth. You can add more or less powdered sugar to get your desired consistency. Add food coloring once mixed and ready if you want to decorate the cookies with different colors.

    Notes

    These cookies are actually my favorite on the second day. After I have allowed the frosting to set I place the frosted cookies into an airtight container and try to resist eating as many as I can until the following day. They soften and the butter and vanilla flavors really come out after sitting.
    The butter and eggs should not be completely chilled from the fridge, but should also not be room temperature. I try to let them sit out for about 15-30 minutes before I begin my cookie making!
    I have given both cups and grams as measurements. Grams will be more precise, especially when measuring flour. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, no problem! Just lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup to insure its not packed in there. Light and fluffy is the key.
    Nutrition facts on these are based on 25 cookies, I know it depends on size of cookie cutters for an actual amount.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 131mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 312IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cookies, cut outs, shaped, sugar
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Cookies

    • a bunch of cinnamon shortbread cookies stacked with a bow on top.
      Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies
    • a single chewy christmas blondie turned up so you can see the texture inside.
      Chewy Christmas Blondies
    • a peppermint hot chocolate cookie with a bite missing and a few peppermint candy pieces around.
      Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
    • brown butter pecan cookies with some extra pecans.
      Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sandy

      October 20, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious! Think this is my new go-to recipe for sugar cookies with my kids. Thank you!

      Reply
      • brooke

        October 20, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        I'm so glad!!! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave me a comment!

        Reply
    2. Tyler

      November 07, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      The air tight container is Key!!!! Amazing day 1 and unbeatable day 2. Thanks Brookie Monster!

      Reply
    3. Tina

      November 08, 2021 at 10:54 am

      So delish!! These were perfect for our Halloween cookie decorating! Instead of 2 tsp vanilla, I did 1 tsp almond and 1 tsp vanilla- so good!! I will use this recipe for Christmas decorating also as they came out perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Sophie

      December 07, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      My husband said these are the best he’s had and grew up on a very different recipe. That’s a huge feat!!! Thank you Brooke!!! They’re
      Delicious and easy

      Reply
      • brooke

        December 08, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Thank you so much!!!

        Reply
    5. Amber D

      December 18, 2021 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      These are the best cut out cookies I have ever made! The butter and vanilla flavors blend beautifully. I ended up with 28 cookies. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
    6. Kim

      December 22, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      Such a simple and tasty recipe. I hate waiting, so I’m not sure I can save the rest for another day while they sit in Tupperware!

      Reply
    7. Karen Hanks

      March 10, 2022 at 9:22 pm

      This is my new favorite sugar cookie recipe! The flavor and texture is great! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Allyson

      June 10, 2022 at 7:53 am

      I’m just curious what flour you use.. mine is 120g per cup and it appears yours is 140g. I always use a scale - and I use your recipes often. I never know which I should use. Maybe not a big difference but thought I’d ask. I use gold medal AP flour.

      Reply
    9. Cassidy

      September 20, 2022 at 9:04 pm

      what if we dont have an electric mixer? could we use a normal whisk and would that still work?

      Reply
      • brooke

        September 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm

        A good wooden or metal spoon would be great. Just try your best to really cream the butter and sugar together for a few minutes.

        Reply
    10. Britney

      October 22, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      So easy and delicious!! Best sugar cookie recipe by far. Will continue to make again and again!

      Reply
    11. Candy

      December 12, 2022 at 4:31 am

      5 stars
      Had a terrible time with other rolled cookie recipes that promised no spreading or puffing UNTIL I found this recipe! Thank you. They were beautiful and tasty.

      Reply
      • brooke

        December 12, 2022 at 8:42 am

        Yay!!! So happy they were just what you needed! Thank you!

        Reply
    12. Debbie

      January 31, 2023 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      These cookies were great - they held their shape perfectly and tasted nice and buttery .

      I had some coconut buttercream left over from making your fabulous Coconut Cake and frosted some of the cookies with it. Absolutely to die for! Thank You!!!

      Reply
      • brooke

        February 01, 2023 at 1:34 pm

        OMG!! Yum with the coconut buttercream. I am definitely going to need to do that! Thank you!!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A picure of Brooke in her kitchen.

    Welcome to the SALTED sweets! I am a self-taught baker, dessert lover, and mom of three. My hope is to share my love language of sweet and simple baked goods with you.

    More about me →

    New Recipes

    • a bunch of cinnamon shortbread cookies stacked with a bow on top.
      Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies
    • a single chewy christmas blondie turned up so you can see the texture inside.
      Chewy Christmas Blondies
    • a peppermint hot chocolate cookie with a bite missing and a few peppermint candy pieces around.
      Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
    • Gingerbread blondies cut into squares with some white chocolate chips around them.
      Gingerbread Blondies

    Trending Recipes

    • 3 no bake biscoff cheesecake bars stacked on top of each other with some cookie butter dripping down from the top.
      No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Bars
    • double chocolate fudge brownies cut with a bite missing.
      Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies
    • dairy free brownies lined up in a small baking pan.
      Dairy Free Brownies
    • close up of single oreo cinnamon roll on a white plate with frosting dripping down.
      Oreo Cinnamon Rolls

    Christmas Cookies

    • coffee cake cookies stacked on top of each other.
      Coffee Cake Cookies
    • Some stacked peanut butter snickerdoodles.
      Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles
    • chocolate sprinkle cookies with sprinkles scattered around.
      Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies
    • all the brown butter sugar cookies layered on top of each other on a baking sheet.
      Brown Butter Sugar Cookies

    Winter Recipes

    • crispy chewy sugar cookies on a round rack.
      Crispy Chewy Sugar Cookies
    • the best snickerdoodle cookies piled and scattered on cookie sheet.
      The Best Snickerdoodle Cookies
    • 5 oatmeal raisin cookies stacked on top of each other
      Oatmeal Craisin Cookies
    • chocolate rolo cookies on a cooling rack with a bitten cookie.
      Chocolate Rolo Cookies

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About

    Web Stories

      Disclaimers

        Privacy Policy

        Contact

          Contact

          As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

          Copyright © 2023 Brunch Pro on the Feast Plugin