It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's time to trim the tree, mail out holiday greetings and of course...bake those holiday treats. One of my favorite ways to kick off a holiday season is with these delicious and easy cut out cookies. This was always a favorite family tradition in my home growing up, and is now something Tyler looks forward to every season. Tyler enjoys being the dedicated “sprinkler” to enhance our creations!
I hope you enjoy these simple cookie recipes as much as we do!
Cutout Holiday Cookies
Cookie Ingredients
- 11/2- cups powdered sugar
- 1cup- unsalted butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon- Vanilla extract (Imitation is fine)
- 1 teaspoon- Almond extract (Imitation is fine)
- 21/2 cups- All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon- baking soda
- Festive Sprinkles
- Festive Holiday Cookie cutter shapes
SIMPLE ICING INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup- powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon- vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon- almond extract
- 1-2 Tablespoons- milk
Directions for Dough Prep
- Mix powdered sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond until combined
- In a separate bowl mix flour and baking soda
- Slowly add the flour and baking soda mixture into your powdered sugar mix
- Beat in all ingredients- This dough will initially be crumbly
- Form into a ball and refrigerate for 3-4 hours
Directions for Icing Prep
- Combine powdered sugar, salt, almond and vanilla extracts.
- Slowly mix in milk to desired consistency
Baking Day Directions
- Preheat Oven to 375o
- Flour your working surface and rolling pin
- Roll out dough to desired thickness (I prefer to make mine very thin)
- Place cut outs on your baking sheet
- Bake for about 7-8 minute (depends on how thick or thin you rolled your dough)
- Allow your cookies to cool completely before icing
Use your imagination on your creations!
You can divide the icing and add a few drops of food coloring. (Red, Green, Yellow and Blue are great options for Winter Holidays). Decorate with festive sprinkle in all different shapes and sizes.
I prefer the simple icing recipe to use with my family. It is easier for all ages to get involved, and I find it to be less time consuming. If you have a budding baker, or a little more time you can also use your favorite royal icing recipe(I prefer Wilton's recipe) to elevate your dazzling creations!
Wishing cookies:
This is a favorite family tradition from my childhood. Every time I see a star shaped cookie I have to make a wish!
Place the cookie in the palm of your hand. Press in the center of the cookie with one finger of the other hand. If the cookie breaks into 3 pieces and you can eat it without saying a word you get to make a wish! This is a fun way to encourage a little bit of quiet time at home with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season!
Ingredients
- 31/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 Teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup of butter or margarine
- 11/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 Tablespoons of molasses
- 1 Tablespoon of water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel (you can also substitute lemon)
Dough Prep:
- Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl beat butter until softened
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy
- Add in egg, molasses, water and orange peel until mixed
- Cover and chill dough for about 2 hours
Baking Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375
- Roll dough on a floured surface
- Cut out with Star shaped cookie cutters and various holiday designs
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes
- Let cool then decorate with lace icing
- ENJOY!
Lace Icing- Stir together 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and about 2 Tablespoons of milk (can substitute cream). Stir until icing is a thick consistency for piping.
