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Hey there, cookie lovers!
Are you in the holiday spirit yet? If not, this might just do the trick!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Christmas cut-out cookies.
They’re fun to make, oh-so-festive, and perfect for decorating!
Whether you’re making them for your family or to share with friends, these cookies are sure to spread some cheer.
So, let’s grab our cookie cutters and get started!
Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
Total Time | 30-45 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g; if using salted, omit additional salt)
- 1 cup superfine sugar (granulated white sugar works as well)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1 large egg (approx. 55-60g or 1.9-2oz)
- 3 cups plain all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Icing for decorating sugar cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan).
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy, which should take about 1 minute on speed 5 if you’re using an electric mixer.
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat until everything is completely combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture.
Start mixing slowly to prevent the flour from scattering, and then increase the speed until the flour is fully incorporated into the mixture.
The dough will appear clumpy at this stage.
Step 4: Shape and Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto the floured surface.
Pat the dough together and then divide it in half.
Shape each half into a disc.
Roll out each disc to your desired thickness: 0.3cm / 1/8″ for thinner, crispier cookies or 0.6cm / 1/4″ for thicker, softer cookies, ensuring you sprinkle flour under and over the dough as you roll to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Cut and Arrange Cookies
Use cookie cutters to press out shapes from the rolled dough.
Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a knife or spatula.
For any dough that doesn’t fit on the baking sheets, place it in the fridge to keep it cool until you’re ready to bake in a subsequent batch.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, making sure to swap the trays halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
The cookies are done when the surfaces are pale golden and the edges are just beginning to turn light golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays, as they will finish cooking on the trays.
Enjoy your homemade cookies!