Low Sugar Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Total time1 hr 37 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time12 min

These classic cut-out cookies roll out beautifully and hold crisp, clean edges through every cutter shape you press into the dough — snowflakes, hearts, stars, whatever the occasion calls for. A touch of cornstarch keeps the crumb tender and soft, while vanilla rounds out the flavor in both the dough and the glossy finishing glaze. The dough chills into an easy, no-stick rolling texture, so re-rolling scraps is simple and low-waste. Once baked to that matte, just-set center, they cool into a sturdy base perfect for a smooth, spreadable glaze that firms up into a pretty, matte-shine coating. It's an easy one to keep in your Added Sugar-conscious baking rotation, especially around the holidays or for a weekend cookie-decorating project with kids. Every batch turns out crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and ready for however you like to color and decorate.

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Ingredients

24 servings

For the cookies

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Unbleached All-Purpose Flour Gold Medal Flour All-Purpose Unbleached - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill Organic All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Bob's Red Mill All Purpose Unbleached White Flour - 5 Lb Pillsbury Best Flour All Purpose - 5 Lb
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½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
3 tbsp milk
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cornstarch

For the glaze

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
3–4 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
2
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

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