Get ready to celebrate the season with a delightful treat that’s as meaningful as it is delicious! "He Is Risen Cutout Cookies" are not just any cookies; they’re a sweet way to commemorate Easter and share joy with your loved ones. With their tender texture and beautiful decorations, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, church events, or simply indulging in a little festive fun. Imagine the smiles on your family’s faces as they savor these charming, cross-shaped cookies adorned with colorful royal icing. Ready to make your Easter extra special? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises to be a hit at your holiday celebrations!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before you plan to bake.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use cross or religious-themed Easter cookie cutters to create shapes.
- Carefully transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly golden. Avoid over-browning.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, decorate cookies with royal icing, using white and pastel colors to create intricate designs and religious symbols.
- Allow icing to set completely before storing cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother dough. This helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugar.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Use Quality Cookie Cutters: For the best results, invest in sturdy, sharp cookie cutters. This will make it easier to create clean shapes that look impressive once decorated.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just set and lightly golden around the edges—overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
- Decorating Tips: When decorating with royal icing, use a piping bag for more control. You can create beautiful designs by layering colors and using different piping techniques.
- Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can last up to a week—if they last that long!
- Get Creative: While traditional colors are lovely, don’t hesitate to experiment with different icing colors and designs to make your cookies uniquely yours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
