Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies that will transport you straight to a cozy Christmas wonderland! These Old Fashioned Christmas Cut Out Cookies are not just a treat; they're a holiday tradition waiting to be revived. With their buttery richness and sweet almond hint, these cookies are perfect for decorating with colorful sprinkles and sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some sweet memories together!
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 granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, a baking sheet, and parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly combined and will help the cookies rise properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Once the dough has come together, divide it into two equal portions and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This chilling step is crucial for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- After the dough has chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them further if desired. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Christmas Cut Out Cookies with family and friends!
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour makes it easier to roll out and cut into shapes, ensuring your cookies maintain their form during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality butter and pure extracts. This will enhance the taste of your cookies and make them truly irresistible.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Cookies can go from perfectly golden to overbaked in a matter of minutes. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes to ensure they remain soft and chewy.
- Experiment with Shapes: Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different festive shapes. This adds a fun twist and makes decorating even more enjoyable!
- Decorate Wisely: If you plan to decorate your cookies, sprinkle the colored sugar or sprinkles on before baking for a beautiful finish. Alternatively, wait until they cool and use icing for more elaborate designs.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to three months for a last-minute holiday treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
