Classic Cutout Christmas Cookies
These classic cutout Christmas cookies are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for holiday baking and decorating with family and friends. Their buttery flavor and tender texture make them an ideal canvas for all your favorite icings and sprinkles.
Servings: 36 cookies
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
For Decorating
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp Milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Food coloring as desired
- Sprinkles as desired
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough.
Baking
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper; on a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Carefully transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating
- To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth; add food coloring if desired.
- Once cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the prepared icing and sprinkles.
Notes
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming. Chilling the dough thoroughly is crucial for easy rolling and preventing the cookies from spreading.