Christmas Cutout Cookies are a timeless holiday treat, perfect for decorating and sharing. These festive cookies not only fill your kitchen with delightful aromas but also bring smiles to the faces of family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking to make memories with your kids, or simply want to indulge in a sweet homemade treat, these cookies are a must-bake!
Why Make This Christmas Cutout Cookies
These Christmas Cutout Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a canvas for creativity. With their soft, buttery texture and a slightly crisp edge, they lend themselves perfectly to be iced and decorated. The buttery flavor combined with the sweetness of royal icing or colored sugar makes for an irresistible treat. Plus, making these cookies is a fantastic way to bond with loved ones during the holiday season. The joy of cutting out festive shapes and decorating them together becomes a cherished part of your celebrations.
How to Make Christmas Cutout Cookies
Making these Christmas Cutout Cookies is simple and fun! Start by gathering all your ingredients. This easy recipe allows you to get creative with shapes and decorations. Whether you choose classic snowflakes, stars, or holiday trees, you’ll delight in watching your cookies come to life. The steps are straightforward and accessible, making it a fantastic project for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Royal icing or colored sugar for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour to make rolling easier.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or colored sugar as desired. Share and enjoy the festive treats!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Christmas Cutout Cookie (1 cookie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Note that nutritional values may vary based on cookie size and specific ingredient brands used.
How to Serve Christmas Cutout Cookies
Serve these delightful cookies at holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or for a cozy family movie night. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. Feel free to pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk for a classic holiday treat experience. Don’t forget to add them to your holiday dessert table alongside other sweets like gingerbread or peppermint bark.
How to Store Christmas Cutout Cookies
To keep your Christmas Cutout Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cutout Cookies
- Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for a deeper flavor. Try adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of taste.
- Invest in a good set of cookie cutters, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different shapes for a fun assortment!
- If you’re decorating with royal icing, ensure the cookies are completely cool before icing to prevent melting.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Christmas Cutout Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Spiced Christmas Cutout Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
- Gluten-Free Christmas Cutout Cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix instead of regular flour and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling it out and cutting it into shapes.What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing can be piped or spread on for a smooth finish, while colored sugar can add a playful touch. Mix it up for a variety of looks!Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the butter was too warm at the start or if the dough wasn’t chilled adequately. Ensure that your ingredients are at the right temperature and chill the dough for an hour before rolling.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cutout Cookies capture the spirit of the holiday season with their festive shapes and delightful flavors. They’re perfect for family gatherings and create lasting memories as you bake, decorate, and share. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the warmth of baking during the holidays. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how a simple recipe can bring so much joy! Be sure to try it out and let us know how your cookies turn out!
Christmas Cutout Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour to make rolling easier.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or colored sugar as desired. Share and enjoy the festive treats!