Never-Fail Cutout Cookies
I have tried numerous recipes for cutout cookies over the years—this one is foolproof. My daughter and my granddaughter love making these for holidays and social events. Most of all, we enjoy decorating them. You can try almond flavoring or another flavoring of choice. This recipe is easily doubled.
I have tried numerous recipes for cutout cookies over the years—this one is foolproof. My daughter and my granddaughter love making these for holidays and social events. Most of all, we enjoy decorating them. You can try almond flavoring or another flavoring of choice. This recipe is easily doubled.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- frosting:
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 cups butter softened
- 4 tablespoons 2% milk
- food coloring of choice optional
- assorted sprinkles or candies optional
- Carbohydrate 99.1185076182848 g
- Cholesterol 2228.36654670701 mg
- Fat 126.78850672408 g
- Fiber 3.37500006390504 g
- Protein 39.0921922667666 g
- Saturated Fat 67.4833748374718 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen. (461g)
- Sodium 24562.7864668754 mg
- Sugar 95.7435075543797 g
- Trans Fat 7.82404439981846 g
- Calories 1697 calories
Step-by-step
- Beat butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolks and vanilla.
- Gradually beat in flour.
- Divide dough into four portions; shape each into a disk.
- Cover; refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness.
- Cut with floured 3-in. holiday cookie cutters.
- Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake until edges are light golden, 12-14 minutes.
- Cool on pans 5 minutes.
- Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
- If desired, tint with food coloring.
- Spread or pipe over cookies.
- Decorate as desired.
Never-Fail Cutout Cookies: A Family Tradition
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy and fun for the whole family to make. These cutout cookies fit the bill perfectly. They're a holiday staple in our home, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. My daughter and granddaughter eagerly anticipate the annual cookie-baking extravaganza, transforming our kitchen into a flurry of flour, festive sprinkles, and joyful chatter.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly forgiving. I’ve experimented with countless cutout cookie recipes over the years, and this one truly is foolproof. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, you can’t go wrong. The dough is easy to handle, rolls out beautifully, and bakes up to perfection every single time. I've even doubled the recipe for larger gatherings, and the results have always been consistently delicious.
The simple elegance of these cookies lies in their versatility. The basic recipe provides a perfect canvas for creativity. We love to experiment with different flavors. Sometimes we add a touch of almond extract for a delicate, nutty flavor; other times, we opt for a splash of peppermint for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless! But even without any flavor additions, the cookies possess a classic, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes them irresistible.
The decorating process is equally enjoyable. We gather around the kitchen table, armed with an array of colorful frostings, sprinkles, candies, and edible glitter, and let our imaginations run wild. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond as a family, fostering creativity and making lasting memories. My granddaughter, with her boundless energy and inventive spirit, often adds the most unexpected and delightful decorations, turning each cookie into a miniature work of art.
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're a symbol of togetherness, a testament to the power of shared experiences. The simple act of baking and decorating together creates a sense of connection and warmth that extends far beyond the kitchen table. The laughter, the shared moments of creativity, and the sweet taste of success—these are the ingredients that truly make these cookies unforgettable.
Beyond the holidays, these cookies are perfect for any occasion – birthdays, showers, or simply a spontaneous afternoon treat. Their simple elegance makes them an ideal gift, too. Imagine the delighted faces of friends and neighbors as they receive a plate of these beautifully decorated cookies. They're a gesture of warmth, a testament to the love and care that went into creating them.
So, gather your family, put on some festive music, and prepare for an afternoon of baking bliss. This recipe is a guaranteed success, promising delicious cookies and lasting memories. The simple pleasure of creating something delicious together is a gift in itself, a reminder of the simple joys that make life so wonderfully sweet.
I highly recommend keeping a batch of these cookies on hand. They’re the perfect companion to a cozy evening at home, a delightful treat to share with friends, or a welcome sweet ending to any meal. And let’s be honest, who can resist a beautifully decorated cookie? These are truly a treat for the senses – a beautiful sight, a delightful aroma, and an unforgettable taste.
Remember to embrace the imperfections. Don't worry if your cookies aren't perfectly shaped or your frosting isn't flawlessly smooth. The charm of homemade cookies lies in their individuality, their slightly imperfect perfection. These are the cookies that tell a story, the cookies that carry the warmth of your heart and the love you put into making them. And that, my friends, is something truly special.
