There’s something utterly magical about baking Christmas cut out cookies! The scent of warm butter and sugar fills the air, and suddenly it feels like the holidays are truly here. I remember my mom and I would spend hours in the kitchen, rolling out dough and cutting out festive shapes—stars, trees, and of course, those beloved gingerbread men. Each cookie was a blank canvas, just waiting for colorful sprinkles and icing. Trust me, these Christmas cut out cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together. Let’s dive into making some of your own!
Ingredients for Christmas Cut Out Cookies
To whip up these delightful Christmas cut out cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Grab 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour to form the base. You’ll also need 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of salt to give them just the right lift. For that rich, buttery flavor, use 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened, and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar for sweetness. Don’t forget 1 egg, along with 1 teaspoon of both vanilla and almond extract to enhance the flavor. Finally, stock up on colored sprinkles or icing for decorating these festive delights!
How to Prepare Christmas Cut Out Cookies
Making Christmas cut out cookies is a delightful experience, and I’m here to guide you through each step! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This is your dry mix that gives the cookies structure.
In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this can take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the party! Gradually mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until fully incorporated. Don’t rush this part; gently fold it in so you get a smooth, cohesive dough. Once it’s all mixed, you’ll want to chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
When you’re ready, sprinkle some flour on your countertop and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite festive shapes—stars, snowflakes, you name it! Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Let them cool completely before decorating. And there you have it, festive cookies ready to spread holiday cheer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare, perfect for all skill levels!
- A fun holiday activity for the entire family.
- Deliciously sweet and buttery flavor in every bite.
- Customizable shapes and decorations for endless creativity.
- Great for sharing with friends and neighbors during the holidays!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cut out cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling it out. This makes it much easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape. When cutting out your shapes, try dipping the cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on them while baking; I usually set a timer for 8 minutes and check for those lovely golden edges. And when it comes to decorating, let your creativity shine! Use different colored sprinkles, icing, or even edible glitter to make your cookies truly festive. Have fun with it!
Variations of Christmas Cut Out Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these Christmas cut out cookies! For a twist on flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday zing, or swap out half the vanilla for cocoa powder to make chocolate cutouts. You can also experiment with different shapes—how about using gingerbread men cutters or festive holiday-themed molds? For decorating, consider a drizzle of chocolate ganache or using colored royal icing to create intricate designs. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and make these cookies uniquely yours!
Nutritional Information
These Christmas cut out cookies are not just festive; they’re also packed with flavor! Each cookie has an estimated 150 calories, with 8g of sugar, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy in moderation and share the joy!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine, but I find that unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before cutting and baking is crucial for keeping their shape. If they still spread, try adding a bit more flour to the dough.
What’s the best way to decorate Christmas cut out cookies?
I love using royal icing for intricate designs, but colored sprinkles are a fun and easy option! Let your imagination run wild!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to use both vanilla and almond extract?
Not at all! If you prefer one over the other, feel free to use just vanilla or just almond. Each will give the cookies a lovely flavor!
Christmas Cut Out Cookies: 5 Steps to Festive Joy
- Temps Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas cut out cookies.
Ingrédients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored sprinkles or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Let cool before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can use different shapes for various holidays.
- Make sure the dough is well chilled for easier handling.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: christmas cut out cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
