Signature Sugar Cookie Recipe: No-Spread Cut-Out Cookies for Decorating (PDF Download)

After trialling a lot of different sugar cookie recipes, I kept playing and tweaking until I had one I truly loved, and this is it. It makes a buttery, shortbread-style cookie that holds its shape nicely, so it's a lovely base for fondant or royal icing.

I've kept this recipe a little less sweet than a traditional sugar cookie, so once the icing goes on, the finished cookie tastes nicely balanced. Something I think makes a big difference when you're eating (or selling) a decorated cookie.

The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and everything is measured in grams. Alongside the full method, I've included my recipe notes on the little things that help the most, like butter temperature, how long to mix, and chilling the dough.

Your recipe comes as a 3-page PDF to download and keep. You're welcome to bake it for yourself, your family and your own cookie business. I just ask that the file itself stays with you and isn't shared, resold or republished.

Happy baking!