As I took a deep breath, the sweet aroma of vanilla and freshly baked dough filled my kitchen, transporting me to childhood Christmases filled with warmth and laughter. These Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies are a holiday treasure, blending the perfect soft texture with a delicate crisp around the edges. This recipe is not only a fantastic way to embrace the festive spirit, but it also allows for creativity as you decorate with vibrant sprinkles and easy icing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a thoughtful gift, these cookies are a delightful crowd-pleaser that can be made in stages for ultimate convenience. Want to learn how to create these charming treats that melt in your mouth? Let’s dive into the magic of holiday baking together!
Why Are These Cookies a Holiday Favorite?
Soft, Classic Delight: These Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies bring nostalgic joy during the festive season, thanks to their airy texture and sweet flavor.
Customizable Creations: With easy decorations using icing and sprinkles, you can personalize each cookie to match your holiday spirit, making them perfect for sharing.
Easy Prep: This recipe simplifies holiday baking, allowing you to prepare in advance, chilling the dough for flexible baking timelines.
Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Everyone loves a good cookie! These cookies are sure to be the star of holiday gatherings, leaving your family and friends craving more. If you’re looking for more festive treats, check out these Savory Brown Sugar options that will pair nicely!
Cut Out Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Creating these delicious Cut Out Sugar Cookies requires a few key ingredients that ensure a soft and tender texture, perfect for the holidays.
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine if desired.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their crisp edges; no substitutions recommended.
- Large Eggs – Acts as a binder, providing structure; alternative: can use flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use almond extract for a delightful twist.
- All Purpose Flour – Forms the base and structure of the cookies; whole wheat flour can be substituted for a nuttier flavor.
- Baking Powder – Provides leavening for the soft cookies; no substitutes recommended.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for a well-rounded taste.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Used for the icing, providing sweetness and a smooth texture; cornstarch can be blended for a softer icing.
- Hot Water – Helps to dissolve the powdered sugar for icing; milk can be used for a creamier texture.
- Light Corn Syrup – Adds sheen and a sticky consistency to the icing; can substitute with honey, but results will vary.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Divide the dough, flatten it into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days, to firm up.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking your Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch for soft cookies, or ⅛ inch if you prefer a crisper texture. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes, and transfer the cut-outs onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for added sweetness before their time in the oven.
Step 3: Bake
Place the prepared baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them: the edges should just begin to turn a light golden brown while the tops remain unchanged. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents any sogginess and helps maintain their delightful texture.
Step 4: Make Icing
While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of hot water, 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Mix until the icing is smooth and has a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add more hot water, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired texture for decorating the cookies.
Step 5: Decorate
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the prepared icing onto the surfaces of your Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies. Before the icing sets, feel free to sprinkle on colorful sprinkles or festive toppings to add that holiday cheer. Let the decorating dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour, ensuring your creations are perfect and ready for gifting or sharing during your festive celebrations.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance, simply chilling it in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic to maintain its freshness. If you’re short on time, you can also roll and cut the shapes a day ahead, just remember to refrigerate them on the baking sheet until you’re ready to bake to keep their festive form intact. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. With these make ahead options, you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends during the holiday season, while still enjoying delicious homemade treats!
Expert Tips for Cut Out Sugar Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to roll out but also prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the baking time; cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are lightly browned to achieve that perfect soft texture.
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Rolling Technique: For evenly baked cookies, try to roll the dough to a consistent thickness of about ¼ inch. This helps all cookies bake at the same rate.
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Cookie Cutter Care: Lightly flour your cookie cutters before cutting to help them release the dough easily, avoiding any dough sticking to the cutters.
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Decorating Tips: For more intricate designs, use piping bags to create lovely icing patterns. Consider using different colored icing for a beautiful visual presentation!
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Storage Wisdom: Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days at room temperature. To maintain freshness, store undecorated cookies in the freezer for up to three months.
What to Serve with Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Indulging in festive delights is even better when paired with thoughtful accompaniments that elevate your holiday experience.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: Cozy up with a DIY hot cocoa station featuring whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks. The rich warmth contrasts beautifully with the sweet, soft cookies.
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Eggnog: This seasonal favorite adds a creamy, spiced touch to your cookie spread, perfectly complementing the sweet flavors of the cut-out sugar cookies and making for a wonderfully festive drink.
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Spiced Tea: A cup of warm spiced tea, rich with cinnamon and cloves, provides a delightful balance to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting holiday atmosphere.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like cranberries and oranges add brightness and a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the cookies, providing a well-rounded snacking experience.
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Cheese Platter: Include a selection of mild cheeses for a savory addition. The creaminess of cheese offers a unique contrast to the sweet frosting, enhancing all the flavors on your plate.
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Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy, candied nuts are a brilliant pairing that adds texture and complexity, making your holiday dessert table even more enticing.
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Gingerbread Men: Pair your cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men to create a festive cookie platter, ensuring there’s a variety that everyone will love.
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Milk: The classic pairing! Serve a cold glass of milk to round out the experience, enhancing the nostalgia of enjoying cookies fresh from the oven.
How to Store and Freeze Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you’re in a warm climate, consider refrigerating decorated cookies for added freshness, keeping them sealed in a container for up to a week.
Freezer: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies in the refrigerator overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature before decorating or serving.
Cut Out Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies. The options for flavor and texture are endless!
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Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs to create a dairy-free treat without sacrificing taste.
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Whole Wheat: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a healthier twist!
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Chocolate Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey version of these festive cookies.
Imagine the joy of biting into a chocolatey cut-out cookie topped with vibrant icing—it’s pure bliss during the holidays!
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Spiced Delight: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for that warm, holiday flavor that fills the air with festivity.
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Lemon Zest: A tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest brightens the flavor, giving these cookies a refreshing twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these delectable treats.
The culture of baking is about inclusivity and togetherness, allowing everyone a seat at the table!
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Swap Icing: Replace traditional icing with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy and rich layer that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
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Heat it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper in the dough for a surprisingly delightful kick!
For more delightful ideas in the kitchen, check out these Blueberry Breakfast Cookies to start your day with a smile or try creating an exquisite Inside Out Egg roll bowl for lunch!
Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients like butter, always choose unsalted for the best control over flavor. Ensure your butter is fresh and at room temperature, which typically means it should be slightly soft to the touch but not greasy. For eggs, look for ones that are large and have a clean, intact shell. If you’re opting for flour, check for freshness by looking at the expiration date; it should be stored in a cool, dry place.
How should I store my decorated cookies?
Very! To keep your decorated cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their texture. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze my Soft Christmas Cut Out Sugar Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze undecorated cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap. You can freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, letting them come to room temperature before decorating or serving.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too firm after chilling?
No worries! If your dough is too firm after chilling, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften it enough to make rolling out easier without affecting the final texture of your cookies. Also, if it’s still challenging, you can work in a small amount of softened butter to loosen it.
Can I use alternative ingredients due to dietary restrictions?
Of course! If you have dietary restrictions, you can make several adjustments. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let stand until thickened). Use margarine instead of butter, and consider replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Always check labels for potential allergens, especially when it comes to your icing ingredients.
How can I improve my cookie’s texture and prevent spreading during baking?
To achieve the best texture and prevent spreading, ensure you chill your dough thoroughly before rolling it out. This step is crucial! After cutting your cookies, if you have time, chill them again for at least 10-15 minutes before placing them in the oven. Baking on parchment paper helps as well, as it can prevent sticking and allow for even baking. Lastly, avoid over-mixing your dough once you add the flour to keep them tender and soft!
Irresistibly Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies for Holiday Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate into wet ingredients to form dough.
- Divide the dough into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut cookie shapes and place on baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 6-8 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, hot water, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust with hot water for desired consistency.
- Once cookies are cool, decorate with icing and sprinkles. Allow to dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour.