There’s just something magical about making Christmas cutout cookies that brings the holiday spirit alive! The aroma of warm, buttery dough fills the kitchen, and before you know it, you’re surrounded by festive shapes waiting to be decorated. I remember as a kid, my mom and I would spend hours rolling out dough and creating the most whimsical cookie designs. It was always a tradition to share them with friends and family, and I think that’s what makes these cookies so special—each bite is filled with love and memories. Trust me, once you start this festive baking, you’ll find it hard to stop!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour so it creams beautifully with the sugar.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and contributes to that lovely crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that classic cookie flavor—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a delightful nutty note that pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
How to Prepare Christmas Cutout Cookies
Getting started on your Christmas cutout cookies is a breeze, and I promise the whole process is as fun as it is delicious! Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake perfectly once they’re ready.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix will give your cookies that ideal structure.
- In a larger bowl, cream the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it. Trust me, this step is key for texture!
- Next, beat in the 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. You don’t want to overmix here!
- Now, this is the hard part—chill the dough! Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Make sure it’s even for consistent baking!
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Finally, bake those beauties for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool completely before diving into decorating!
And there you have it! Your Christmas cutout cookies are just a few steps away from being the highlight of your holiday festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun to Decorate: These cookies aren’t just tasty; they’re a blank canvas for your creativity! Grab your icing, sprinkles, and food coloring, and let your imagination run wild.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors or bringing them to a holiday party, these cookies are sure to spread joy and deliciousness wherever they go.
- A Holiday Tradition: Making Christmas cutout cookies is a cherished tradition for many families, including mine! It’s a wonderful way to bond with loved ones and create lasting memories together.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors or shapes to suit your holiday spirit. Think gingerbread men, stars, or even festive trees—endless possibilities!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be whipping up a batch in no time!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas cutout cookies absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking. If your dough feels too sticky, a little extra flour on your work surface can help while rolling it out.
Also, when cutting out shapes, dip your cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking—this little trick saves time and frustration! And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Lastly, let them cool completely before decorating; this ensures your icing won’t melt into a puddle. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous with your Christmas cutout cookies, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! For starters, you can try different extracts. How about swapping the vanilla for peppermint extract to give your cookies a refreshing twist? Or maybe even some coconut extract for a tropical vibe. If you’re in the mood for color, you can divide the dough into portions and add food coloring to create vibrant, festive hues—think red and green for the holidays!
You could also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for that cozy holiday flavor. And don’t forget, adding a bit of cocoa powder can transform your dough into rich chocolate cookies. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with these variations can make your baking experience even more delightful. Enjoy creating your unique masterpieces!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious Christmas cutout cookies, it’s good to know a bit about their nutritional content. Each cookie is approximately 150 calories, with about 8g of sugar and 7g of fat. They also contain 20g of carbohydrates and 2g of protein. Keep in mind that this information can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, so it’s not an exact science. Always feel free to calculate based on your personal preferences and dietary needs! Enjoy every delightful bite, and remember, it’s all about balance during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use different shapes for my cookies? Absolutely! Christmas cutout cookies are perfect for any shape you can dream up. From classic stars and snowflakes to gingerbread men and festive trees, the only limit is your imagination!
How can I make my cookies more colorful? You can add food coloring to your dough or use vibrant icing for decorating. Consider splitting your dough into portions and adding different colors for a fun and festive look!
What type of icing works best for decorating? I love using royal icing for its smooth finish and ability to harden nicely, making it perfect for intricate designs. It dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before stacking or packaging your cookies!
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can! Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and cutting your shapes.
How do I store leftover cookies? Keep your Christmas cutout cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them, too—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas cutout cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty for days to come! Once they’ve cooled completely, place your cookies in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them even longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, there’s no need to reheat them; they’re delightful at room temperature! But if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—watch closely so they don’t get too soft. Enjoy your festive treats anytime you crave a bit of holiday cheer!
Print
Christmas Cutout Cookies: 5 Simple Steps to Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas cutout cookies that are fun to decorate and share.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool before decorating.
Notes
- Use royal icing for decorating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Dough can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cutout cookies, holiday cookies, sugar cookies, decorated cookies
