These Christmas cut-out cookies are a delightful holiday treat that can be decorated in various festive designs. With a simple dough made from butter, sugar, and flour, they are perfect for holiday baking with family and friends.
The recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to create a batch of cookies that can be customized with colorful icing and sprinkles to celebrate the season.
Creating the Perfect Holiday Atmosphere
Transform your kitchen into a festive haven with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies.
The sight of colorful Christmas cut-out cookies, shaped like stars, trees, and snowflakes, instantly brings joy to the holiday season.
Arranging these treats on a decorative plate surrounded by pinecones and ornaments adds to the cheerful ambiance.
Choosing Your Cookie Shapes
When it comes to cut-out cookies, the possibilities are endless.
Using various cookie cutters, you can create an assortment of shapes that reflect the holiday spirit.
Stars, Christmas trees, and snowflakes are popular choices that not only look great but also make for fun decorating opportunities.
Decorating with Vibrant Icing
The real fun begins once the cookies have cooled.
Decorating with colorful icing allows for creativity to shine.
You can use royal icing for a smooth finish or opt for colored icing to add a playful touch. Sprinkles can be added for extra flair, making each cookie a unique masterpiece.
Setting the Scene
Presentation plays a key role in the festive spirit.
Arrange your decorated cookies on a beautiful plate, and consider adding holiday-themed decorations around them.
Pinecones, ornaments, and even a sprinkle of fake snow can enhance the visual appeal, creating a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Sharing the Joy
These cookies are not just for personal enjoyment; they are perfect for sharing.
Pack them in festive boxes or tins to give as gifts to friends and family.
The joy of baking and decorating together can become a cherished holiday tradition, bringing loved ones closer during this special time of year.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, keep a few tips in mind.
Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out; this helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
Also, don’t rush the decorating process—allow the icing to set properly before stacking or serving to prevent smudging.
Easy Christmas Cut-Out Cookies Recipe
These cut-out cookies are buttery and sweet, making them a favorite during the holiday season. The dough is rolled out and cut into fun shapes, then baked until lightly golden. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
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)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Royal icing or colored icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing or colored icing and add sprinkles if desired. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g