Get ready to spread holiday cheer with homemade Christmas Cut-Out Cookies! These delightful treats can be shaped into stars, Christmas trees, and any festive form your heart desires. The best part? Decorating them is as much fun as eating them. Let's dive into this festive recipe that will bring joy and creativity to your holiday baking.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 375 grams all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 225 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 250 grams powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted food coloring (red, green, etc.)
- Sprinkles, colored sugar, and other decorations
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; you want a soft dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The exact baking time may vary based on the size of your cookies, so keep a close eye on them. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and thick icing. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve your desired colors.
10. Decorate with Delight: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a small brush or a pastry bag to decorate them with the colored icing. Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or other decorations while the icing is still wet.
11. Let the Icing Set: Allow the icing to set and harden before storing or serving the cookies.
Pro Tip: For a glossy finish, you can add a little light corn syrup to the icing.
These Christmas Cut-Out Cookies are a canvas for your holiday creativity. Whether you're making stars, Christmas trees, or your favorite festive shapes, decorating these cookies with loved ones is a delightful tradition that adds joy to your holiday season. Share them with friends and family, leave some for Santa, and savor the sweet taste of holiday happiness!