Classic Christmas Cut-Out Cookies
These classic Christmas cut-out cookies are perfect for holiday baking, featuring a buttery, sweet dough that bakes up perfectly for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Equipment
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- baking sheets
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Royal icing or frosting for decorating
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to prevent spreading.
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between them; re-roll scraps to cut more cookies.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set; do not overbake.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate and Store
- Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, frosting, or sprinkles as desired. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading and ensuring well-defined shapes. For best results, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, well-combined dough. Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to tough cookies. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking and maintain a tender texture.