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Easy Christmas Cookie Cut-Outs Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies (2 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Christmas Cookie Cut Outs are classic shortbread cookies perfect for the holiday season. Softened butter and granulated sugar create a tender dough that’s rolled out and cut into festive shapes. Finished with a smooth, colorful sugar cookie icing, these cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing. The recipe yields about two servings and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp light corn syrup
  • 2–3 tbsp whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your cookies are ready to bake.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the unbleached all-purpose flour about 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls together smoothly.
  3. Divide the Dough: Split the dough into two equal halves. Keep one half in the bowl, and transfer the other half to a lightly floured surface for rolling out.
  4. Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll out the first portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Dip your cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking, then cut out your desired festive shapes. Place the cutouts about 1 inch apart on a non-greased baking sheet.
  5. Add Sprinkles to Remaining Dough: Stir in 1/4 cup nonpareil sprinkles into the remaining dough in the bowl, mixing until evenly distributed. Roll out this sprinkled dough on a floured surface and repeat the cutting process.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are slightly browned around the edges. Once done, transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely before icing.
  7. Prepare the Icing: In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
  8. Adjust Icing Consistency: Lift the whisk and observe how the icing ribbons down and dissolves back into the bowl. If it’s too thick, add milk 1/2 tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  9. Color the Icing: Divide the icing evenly into small bowls. Add 1-2 drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, stirring until you achieve the desired colors for decorating.
  10. Decorate the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, use the colored icing to decorate as you like. Let the icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened for easy creaming with sugar.
  • Use unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture.
  • Chill dough if it becomes too sticky to handle.
  • Baking time may vary depending on your oven; watch for slight browning around edges.
  • Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without thinning the icing.
  • Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cookies, cut out cookies, sugar cookie icing, holiday baking, festive cookies, shortbread cookie recipe

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Find it online: https://naomifletcher.com/easy-christmas-cookie-cut-outs-recipe/