Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies to Decorate With Kids

Rolling, cutting and decorating cookies is one of the best ways to bake together. These sugar cookies to decorate with kids are soft, hold their shape in the oven, and give kids a perfect blank canvas for icing and sprinkles.

Ingredients

For the cookies (about 24 medium cookies)

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the easy icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring
• Sprinkles and other toppings

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. (Kid job!)
2. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. (Kids can crack the egg into a small bowl first.)
4. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Roll and cut. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes. (The best kid job!)
7. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. (Grown-up job.)
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

How to make the icing

Stir the powdered sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. It should be thick but spreadable. Add more milk a few drops at a time if needed. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring.

For kids, spreading icing with a butter knife or the back of a spoon is easiest. Older kids can try squeeze bottles or zip-top bags with a tiny corner snipped off.

Decorating ideas

• Sprinkle shake: ice a cookie, then shake on sprinkles over a tray.
• Polka dots: dots of a second color on wet icing.
• Faces and animals: candy eyes, mini chips and frosting details.
• Stained glass look: outline with one color, fill with another.
• Holiday shapes: hearts, stars, pumpkins, trees and snowflakes for every season.

Tips for a happy cookie day

• Make the dough the day before so decorating day is all fun.
• Roll dough between two sheets of parchment to avoid sticking and extra flour.
• Dip cutters in flour so shapes release cleanly.
• Set up a decorating station with a tray, toppings in muffin tins and wet wipes nearby.
• Let the icing set for a few hours before stacking cookies.

Storing your cookies

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Unbaked dough can be wrapped well and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling.

Planning a decorating party? Pair these with our easy cupcake decorating ideas for kids. And if you’re baking for the holidays, our printable Christmas Eve Box and gift tags make cookie gifts extra special.