Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe: A Deliciously Festive Treat
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of homemade cut-out sugar cookies? This recipe is easy to follow, yields perfectly crisp cookies, and allows for endless creative decorating possibilities. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and create some truly delightful treats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen cookies, depending on size.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a delicate texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Optional: Sprinkles, food coloring, frosting, candies: For decorating your masterpieces!
Instructions for Perfect Cut-Out Sugar Cookies:
1. Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be accomplished with vigorous hand-mixing. The key is to incorporate air for a lighter cookie.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even longer (up to 2 days).
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, unleash your creativity and decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, candies, or anything your heart desires!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents spreading and ensures perfectly shaped cookies.
- Use cookie cutters of varying sizes and shapes: Get creative with your designs!
- Experiment with different frosting and decorating techniques: From simple sprinkles to elaborate designs, the possibilities are endless.
Storing Your Sugar Cookie Creations:
Store your beautifully decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cut-out sugar cookies with your loved ones! Happy baking!
