I’ve been making Christmas cut out cookies for years, and they’re still a favorite in our household. There’s something special about the combination of sweet and buttery dough, the crunch of sugar on top, and the fun of cutting out shapes with cookie cutters.
My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we get to decorate the cookies with sprinkles and frosting. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party or a casual family gathering.
Plus, they’re relatively easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy families. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s not too sweet, so you can feel good about giving them to your kids or serving them at a party without worrying about overloading on sugar.
The key to making these cookies is to chill the dough long enough so that it’s easy to work with and doesn’t spread too much in the oven. I like to make a double batch of dough so that I have some extra cookies on hand for snacking or sharing with friends.
Overall, this recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, fun to make, and perfect for any occasion.
Christmas Cut Out Cookies
4.8 from 1465 votes
These classic Christmas cut out cookies are perfect for decorating with family and friends. They are soft, buttery, and hold their shape well for intricate designs.
1In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2The mixture should be pale and smooth.
3Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5The mixture should be thick and sticky.
6In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
8The dough should be slightly crumbly but come together when pressed.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
10Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and cut.
11Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
13On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
14Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
15Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
16Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out additional shapes until all the dough is used.
17The dough should be firm and not sticky.
18Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
19The cookies should be firm to the touch and the edges should be just starting to brown.
20Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
21The cookies should be firm and hold their shape well.
22While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring in a small bowl until smooth.
23Add more powdered sugar or milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
24The icing should be thick enough to pipe or spread but not so thick that it cracks.
25Transfer the icing to a piping bag or small bowl with a spoon for decorating.
26Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with the icing and any additional decorations.
27Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips: For a more festive touch, add a bit of peppermint extract to the dough. You can also use different flavors of extract in the icing to create a variety of flavors.
Watch Video Of How Christmas Cut Out Cookies Works
These Christmas cut out cookies are always a hit at our house, whether we’re making them for a holiday party or just enjoying them as a family treat.
They’re easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it makes so many delicious cookies – perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cut Out Cookies
What type of flour should I use for these cookies?
You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. All-purpose flour will give you a slightly more tender cookie, while bread flour will give you a slightly more dense cookie.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use either granulated sugar or brown sugar for this recipe. Granulated sugar will give you a slightly more sweet cookie, while brown sugar will give you a slightly more caramel-like flavor.
How long do I need to chill the dough?
You should chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become easier to work with. However, if you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can also chill it for several hours or even overnight.
Can I decorate these cookies with frosting?
Yes, you can decorate these cookies with frosting if you’d like. Simply spread or pipe on your favorite frosting and let it set before serving.
Can I store these cookies in an airtight container?
Yes, you can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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