Delicious Sugar Cookie Cut Outs for Festive Occasions
Do you have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit? Are you looking for a way to satisfy your dessert cravings with a classic treat? Look no further than this sugar cookie cutout recipe.
Perfect for any occasion or just when you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of the recipe make it accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, with endless variations and decorations, you can customize them to suit any taste or occasion.
I guarantee that once you sink your teeth into one of these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, you won’t be able to resist going back for more. So let’s get started on whipping up this unbeatable recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As someone who has spent countless hours in the kitchen, I can tell you that not all sugar cookie recipes are created equal. That’s why I’m thrilled to share with you my ultimate recipe for sugar cookie cutouts. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this recipe a try.
Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this sugar cookie cutout recipe:
1. Perfect Texture: These cookies have just the right combination of crunch and chewiness. Thanks to the cream of tartar and baking soda in the recipe, you’ll get a perfectly tender texture that melts in your mouth.
2. Versatile and Fun: With this recipe, you can create an endless array of shapes and designs to suit any occasion. Whether you want to make basic circles or get creative with holiday-themed shapes, these cookies are perfect for any celebration.
3. Easy to Customize: Looking for a way to make these cookies unique? You can easily add different extracts (like almond or lemon) or even food coloring to the dough before baking.
4. Kid-Friendly: Rolling out and cutting sugar cookie dough is a fun activity that kids of all ages will love. This is especially true when they get to decorate their own cookies after baking.
5. Delicious Flavor: Finally, let’s talk about flavor! These cookies have the perfect buttery taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth without being overly cloying.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your rolling pin and start making some delicious sugar cookie cutouts today!
Ingredient List
Here is a rundown of the ingredients you will need for this sugar cookie cut-outs recipe:
- Flour: You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons of baking powder will be needed for the perfect sugar cookies.
- Baking Soda: Not to be confused with baking powder, you will also need 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for this recipe.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the cookies. You’ll just need a pinch of salt.
- Butter: This recipe calls for unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, at 1/2 cup.
- Granulated Sugar: You’ll need 1 cup granulated sugar to sweeten these cookies.
- Egg: One large egg is necessary to help bind everything together
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm and cozy aroma to these cookies. Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Cream of Tartar: This ingredient helps in giving rise and softness to the cookies. Use 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it is essential for making royal icing (if you wish). Use 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar.
Optional substitutes include vegan butter in place of dairy butter, and sour cream instead of egg.
Gather your ingredients and start making delicious sugary treats!
The Recipe How-To
Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – how to make these delicious sugar cookie cut outs! Follow along with these steps for perfect cut-out cookies every time.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first! Make sure you have all of your ingredients. As a reminder, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 2: Cream the Sugar and Butter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Add in the large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl with the creamed sugar and butter. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Chill Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten them each into disks. Wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm.
Step 7: Roll Dough and Cut Out Shapes
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, place one of the chilled dough disks and roll out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to get creative with your shapes!
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and transfer your cutout cookies onto it using a spatula. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies
Once cool, get creative with frosting or icing to decorate your sugar cookie cut outs!
Enjoy these delicious treats!
Substitutions and Variations
Sugar cookies are a classic snack that everyone loves. However, you can make them even more exciting by trying out different substitutions and variations to the recipe. Here are some ideas to add an extra kick to your sugar cookies:
– Vegan: If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the eggs with a mix of 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water for each egg required. You can also replace butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
– Gluten-free: For those who need gluten-free options, replace regular flour with a blend of gluten-free flours (like rice flour, multi-purpose gluten-free flour or almond flour).
– Christmas cookies: Make your sugar cookies festive by adding seasonal flavors like peppermint extract or gingerbread spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add some food coloring and sprinkles for decoration.
– Sour cream: To make your sugar cookies moist and chewy, try adding sour cream to your dough recipe. Not only will it give a tangy taste to your cookies, but it makes them tender as well.
– Cookie mix: If you’re in a rush or just starting in baking, you can always buy a pre-made cookie mix at the store. Just follow the instructions on the package and you’ll have delicious sugar cookies in no time.
– Royal icing: Top off your cutout sugar cookies with some royal icing for an extra touch of sweetness. Mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and water until it reaches your desired consistency. This will create a hard coating that’s perfect for decorating.
These are just a few substitutions and variations to play around with on the classic sugar cookie recipe. Let your creativity run wild and try different combinations to find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once these sugar cookie cut outs are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and share them with friends and family. The best way to serve these cookies is on a pretty platter or plate with some festive decorations. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday like Christmas or just want to add some color to your table, you can add some frosting or sprinkles to make it extra special.
In terms of pairing, these cookies go well with a variety of different beverages, including coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Some people love enjoying them with milk, especially kids who will dunk their cookies in the milk until they’re soaked through. Others prefer a cup of fragrant tea that complements the sweetness and mellow flavors of the sugar cookie cut outs.
If you’re looking for something more decadent, you can pair these cookies with ice cream or other desserts. You can crumble the cookies on top of your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream and enjoy a sweet treat that keeps on giving. You can also try making a sandwich out of two cookies and vanilla frosting for an indulgent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these sugar cookie cut outs. So whatever mood you’re in, there’s always something that will complement the crispiness and softness of these delicious treats.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is always a smart move when it comes to baking, and that’s why I love this sugar cookie recipe because you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
To make the dough ahead of time, roll it into a log shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and proceed with the recipe instructions.
If you already baked the cookies and want to store them for later consumption, let them cool down completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you have a large batch of cookies that won’t be eaten within five days, storing them in the freezer is your best bet. Simply place your cooled cutout cookies into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag with parchment paper between each layer of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
When reheating sugar cookies that have been frozen, remove them from the plastic bag and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes or until they look crispy yet still tender inside. They will taste just as delicious as they did when you first made them!
Pro tip: If you want warm sugar cookies in no time, simply microwave them on high for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them or you’ll end up with soft and soggy cookies.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating perfect sugar cookie cutouts can be tricky, but don’t worry, with the right tips and technique, you will be a pro in no time. Here are my top tips to ensure perfect sugar cookie cutouts every time:
1. Soften the butter: Softened butter is a key ingredient in sugar cookie recipes. Make sure to let your butter soften at room temperature before baking or try using salted butter instead of unsalted – this can add a deeper flavor profile and makes the dough easier to handle.
2. Chill the dough: Once you’ve mixed your dough, it’s important to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to cutting out your shapes. This will keep your cookies’ shape during the baking process so they won’t spread too much while cooking.
3. Flatten Dough Evenly: Roll out your dough between parchment or wax paper, as it keeps the dough pliable and makes it easy to transfer onto a baking sheet. Additionally, ensuring an even thickness to the dough before cutting ensures that all cookies bake evenly, preventing some from burning or others from remaining doughy.
4. Use the Right Tools: When making sugar cookie cutouts, you’ll want to make sure that your cookie cutter is sharp and clean for clean edges. And if you find that cookies are sticking to your cutter, try dusting it with flour first.
5. Cool Down Your Baking Sheets: Before placing the cutout cookies onto the sheets to bake them up, give them a few minutes to cool down at room temperature since hot sheets will cause the bottoms of cookies to brown too quickly.
By following these steps and considering these basic guidelines when making any sugar cookie recipe, creating perfect sugar cookies cutouts is easy and simple!
FAQ
Now, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions about our sugar cookie cutouts recipe! Here are some common doubts people usually have when preparing this dessert, along with some detailed answers and helpful tips.
What is the best thickness for cutout cookies?
Baking enthusiasts, it’s time to dominate that dough! To start, make sure to roll it out to an even thickness, which is typically ¼-inch in most cookie recipes. This thickness is preferred as it allows for easy handling, resulting in a soft and delicate cookie. In order to roll out the dough like a pro, follow these simple guidelines.
How do you keep sugar cookie cutouts from spreading?
When it comes to making cookies, one helpful tip is to chill the dough before baking. This technique can be especially useful in preventing cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in thinner and flatter cookies. By refrigerating the dough, the cookies will not only retain their shape better but also have a more solid and chewier texture. Personally, I like to plan ahead and chill my cookie dough overnight to ensure the best results.
How do you make cookies out of cutters?
A clever trick for moving your cookie cutouts onto a cool pan is to keep the cutter still and carefully slide a thinly floured spatula under the cutout. Gently transfer the cookie cutout onto the pan and smoothly ease out the spatula before removing the cutter.
What is the best way to roll out sugar cookies?
When you roll your dough for cookies, it’s best to avoid using too much flour, which can make your treats turn out tough. Instead of rolling your dough on a floured surface, try rolling it between sheets of non-stick parchment or waxed paper. This way, you can roll your dough without the need for excess flour, resulting in soft and delicious cookies that will delight your taste buds. Just make sure to retrieve the top sheet of paper carefully to avoid tearing or sticking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sugar cookie cut-outs recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create perfectly shaped and deliciously sweet cookies that will be the talk of any party or gathering. Whether you’re making them for holidays, special occasions, or just as a treat for yourself or your loved ones, these sugar cookies are sure to impress.
By following the tips and recommendations listed in this article, you can achieve perfect results every time. Remember to use room temperature butter, properly measure out your ingredients, and refrigerate the dough before cutting out your shapes. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to make the best cut sugar cookies that even a professional baker would be proud of.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and variations. From adding almond extract to sour cream or royal icing to powdered sugar – there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
So why not give it a try today? Whip up a batch of these mouth-watering sugar cookie cut-outs and watch as your family, friends and colleagues fight over them! Happy Baking!
Sugar Cookie Cut Outs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- colored sprinkles, and/or egg yolk paint
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter with a mixer until fluffy.
- Add egg and flavorings and mix well.
- Sift dry ingredients together and stir into creamed mixture.
- Store covered in refrigerator 2 to 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375º.
- Divide dough in half.
- Roll out on surface lightly dusted with confectioner's sugar.
- Cut with cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until cookies begin turning a light brown at the edges.
- Cool, then decorate with egg yolk paint.
- EGG YOLK PAINT 1 egg yolk, beaten ¼ tsp.
- water Food coloring Prepare one recipe of egg yolk paint for every 2 colors desired.
- Combine egg yolk and water and mix well.
- Divide into 2 small containers.
- Stir in food coloring.
- Keep tightly covered until ready for use.
- If paint thickens, add a few drops of water.
- Paint as desired for a colored glaze, and add colored sprinkles.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.