🎅 Christmas Cutout Cookies
Makes: 24–36 cookies (depending on size)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 8–12 minutes
Ingredients
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, adds extra flavor)
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Optional: food coloring, sprinkles, colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
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Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. -
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). -
Add egg and flavorings:
Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined. -
Combine with flour:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. -
Chill the dough:
Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (helps with rolling and cutting). -
Roll and cut:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. -
Bake:
Bake 8–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Decorate:
Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, colored frosting, or sprinkles as desired.
Tips & Variations
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🎨 For colorful dough: Divide dough and tint with food coloring before chilling.
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🥥 Flavor twist: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday flavor.
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🍪 Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
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❄️ Icing ideas: Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of milk and food coloring for quick glaze. Royal icing holds shapes well for intricate designs.
If you want, I can also give you a soft, chewy version that’s easier to decorate and perfect for kids’ handprints or themed cutouts. Do you want me to do that?
