Growing up, Christmas Cutout Cookies were always the highlight of the holiday season for me. I can still remember the sound of my mom’s kitchen timer ringing, signaling that the first batch was ready to come out of the oven. The scent of warm, buttery dough and festive spices would fill the air, drawing me and my siblings into the kitchen like a magnetic force. We’d eagerly await our turn to carefully decorate the freshly baked cookies with vibrant icing and an array of sprinkles, each one a unique work of art. Those Christmas Cutout Cookies were more than just a dessert – they were a cherished family tradition that brought us all together, year after year.
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Why This Christmas Cutout Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
This Christmas Cutout Cookies recipe is unlike any other, thanks to a few secret ingredients and techniques that make them irresistibly delicious and perfectly textured. The key is in the dough, which features a blend of butter, cream cheese, and a touch of almond extract that creates an unbelievably tender and flavorful base. And instead of rolling out the dough directly, I have a genius trick that allows you to chill it first, making it a breeze to work with and resulting in beautifully defined cookie shapes. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to your old Christmas Cutout Cookies recipe.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cutout Cookies
The secret to these Christmas Cutout Cookies is in the dough preparation. By chilling the dough before rolling and cutting, it becomes much easier to handle and prevents the cookies from losing their shape during baking. Plus, the cream cheese addition makes the texture absolutely heavenly – soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of chewiness. And the touch of almond extract takes the flavor to new heights, complementing the classic Christmas spices perfectly. Once you bite into one of these cookies, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true holiday showstopper.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Unsalted butter: The foundation of the dough, providing rich, buttery flavor.
– Cream cheese: Adds a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the cookies.
– Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the perfect crisp edges.
– Egg yolk: Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the tender crumb.
– Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Almond extract: A special touch that takes these Christmas Cutout Cookies to the next level.
– All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
– Baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
– Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cutout Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cutout Cookies
Preparing these Christmas Cutout Cookies is a breeze, and the results are well worth the small effort. The entire process, from start to finish, takes around 2 hours, including chilling time. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a rolling pin, cookie cutters in your desired shapes, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
1- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
2- Add the granulated sugar and egg yolk, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3- Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract until well incorporated.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
5- Divide the dough in half, shape each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
6- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Christmas Cutout Cookies is in the dough preparation. Be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour (or up to 3 days) before rolling and cutting – this makes it much easier to work with and ensures your cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking. Also, don’t over-work the dough, as this can lead to tough, dry cookies. And when decorating, have fun with it! Get creative with different icing colors, sprinkles, and edible decorations to make each cookie a unique masterpiece.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cutout Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cutout Cookies
Christmas Cutout Cookies are the perfect festive treat to enjoy with a warm mug of hot chocolate or apple cider. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Serve them up at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a special after-dinner treat for your family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Christmas Cutout Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before rolling, cutting, and baking. This makes the process a breeze when you’re ready to assemble your Christmas Cutout Cookies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cutout Cookies
Creative Christmas Cutout Cookies Variations
While the classic Christmas Cutout Cookies are always a hit, you can get creative with different shapes, flavors, and decorations. Try using star, tree, or snowflake cutters for a festive touch. For added flavor, experiment with different extracts like peppermint or orange. And the decoration possibilities are endless – use royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies to make each cookie truly unique.
Making Christmas Cutout Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Christmas Cutout Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the butter with dairy-free buttery spread or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg instead of the egg yolk. And for a lower-carb option, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter in this recipe, I recommend sticking with unsalted for the best flavor balance. Salted butter can make the cookies taste a bit too salty.
Q: How do I ensure my cookies hold their shape during baking?
A: The key is chilling the dough before rolling and cutting. This helps the dough firm up and hold its shape much better during the baking process. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days) before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll, cut, and bake the cookies.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: The yield can vary depending on the size of your cookie cutters, but this recipe typically makes around 2-3 dozen Christmas Cutout Cookies.
Q: My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies are spreading too much, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough before baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour (or up to 3 days) to help the cookies hold their shape.
Timeless Christmas Cutout Cookies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Bake up a batch of our classic Christmas Cutout Cookies for a nostalgic holiday treat! These tender, buttery cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. – Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. – Working with one disc at a time, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
8. – Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. – Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing and festive sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Cutout Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition that never fails to bring joy and delight. This special recipe, with its secret ingredients and techniques, will become your new go-to for perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully shaped Christmas cookies. So gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and get ready to create a new holiday memory with these irresistible Christmas Cutout Cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see how your cookies turn out!
