There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The warmth of the oven, the delightful scents wafting through the house, and the joyous laughter of family gathered around – it all creates a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to beat. One of my absolute favorite traditions is making *Christmas cut out cookies*. I remember as a child, rolling out the dough with my grandma, giggling as we tried to create the perfect shapes with our cookie cutters. Those moments are so special, and now I get to pass that love on to my own family. These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and the sweet spirit of the season! Trust me, whether you’re decorating with sprinkles or icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients for Christmas Cut Out Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookie dough, giving it structure and that lovely chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This little leavener helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft, tender bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar—this is key for that fluffy texture!
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweeten your cookies and help them achieve that perfect golden edge.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds richness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds a warm, sweet depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This gives a lovely nutty note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Trust me, having these ingredients ready will set you on the path to cookie perfection! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Cut Out Cookies
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to make some magic happen in the kitchen! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the delightful process of making these festive cookies!
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, setting the stage for perfectly baked cookies.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next, in a separate bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the butter, which gives your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Oh, and don’t rush it—take your time to really whip it up!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until everything is just combined. Now, it’s time to gradually add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. This keeps the dough from becoming tough.
Chilling and Rolling the Dough
After you’ve mixed everything together into a dough, it’s crucial to chill it for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to roll out later. When you’re ready to roll, lightly flour your surface and your rolling pin, then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for getting those lovely shapes without risking breakage!
Baking the Cookies
Finally, place your cut-out cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to hard cookies! Once they’re done, let them cool on wire racks before diving into the decorating fun. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing, and you’ll be ready to spread holiday cheer with these beautiful cookies!
Tips for Decorating Your Christmas Cut Out Cookies
Now comes the fun part—decorating your cookies! I absolutely love getting creative with icing and sprinkles. One of my go-to methods is to make a simple royal icing by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of water and egg whites. This icing dries hard, making it perfect for detailed designs. You can even divide the icing into bowls and color them with food coloring to match your holiday theme!
As for cookie shapes, the sky’s the limit! Use festive cookie cutters like stars, trees, or even gingerbread men to bring some holiday spirit to your treats. And don’t forget to sprinkle some edible glitter or festive sprinkles on top for that extra sparkle! Let your imagination run wild—each cookie can be a little work of art, and trust me, your family and friends will be so impressed with your beautiful creations!
Nutritional Information
As you whip up these delightful Christmas cut out cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Remember, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you decorate them. So, enjoy each cookie and the joy they bring during the holiday season!
FAQ About Christmas Cut Out Cookies
I know you might have some questions about making these festive delights, so let’s dive into the most common ones I hear!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, and then roll it out. It’s a huge time-saver during the busy holiday season!
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries if you’re out of almond extract! You can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract, or even use a splash of hazelnut or coconut extract for a different twist. Each will add a unique flavor that’s still delicious in these cookies!
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your baked cookies! Just let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *Christmas cut out cookies* are truly a holiday must-have, and here’s why you’re going to adore making them!
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a batch in no time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive family gathering or a cookie exchange, these cookies steal the show every time.
- Endless Creativity: Use your favorite cookie cutters and get artistic with decorations—each cookie can be a unique masterpiece!
- Fun for the Whole Family: Get everyone involved! It’s a fun activity that creates lasting memories while baking together.
- Deliciously Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors or sprinkle on various toppings; the possibilities are endless!
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in a festive box or tin, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Trust me, once you start baking these cookies, you’ll find them becoming a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delightful *Christmas cut out cookies* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—perfect for snacking on during the holiday season! If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy them as is or with a sprinkle of festive flair!
Print
Christmas Cut Out Cookies: 5 Sweet Joys to Bake Together
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cut-out cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.
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 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place cutouts on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing.
- Use various cookie cutters for different shapes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cut out cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
