Holiday Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Holiday Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
I usually think of cut-out sugar cookies as something to admire rather than eat. They’re typically not that good and, I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to eat cookies, I want them to be worth it! But this recipe from King Arthur Flour is different. The cookies are buttery and tender-crisp, and the frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re also a dream to make. The dough is super easy to roll out and cut — and the cookies won’t puff up or spread out in the oven, so go ahead and break out all those ornate cookie cutters!
What You’ll Need To Make Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by combining the confectioners’ sugar, butter, egg yolk, salt, and almond extract in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Beat until smooth.
Add the flour.
Mix on low speed until well combined. The mixture will seem dry at first but don’t worry, it will come together.
Scrape the dough onto a work surface (if it’s sticky, dust very lightly with flour).
Knead into a ball and then cut it in half.
Shape the dough into 2 discs, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator, and let it soften for about 30 minutes. Work it with your hands for a minute or so, until it feels soft and pliable enough to roll. Be careful not to overwork it; it should still feel cold.
Sprinkle your work surface lightly with flour. Lightly sprinkle the top of the dough and rolling pin as well. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll to 1/8″ – 3/16″ thick.
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, then use a thin metal spatula to lift the dough off of the counter and onto parchment-lined baking sheets (they can be close together; they don’t spread). Re-roll and cut the dough scraps.
Place the cut-out cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 14 minutes, until they’re set and barely browned around the edges. Note that the cook time will vary depending on the thickness and size of the cookies. Very small cookies might be done in 8 minutes.
Let cool, then ice the cookies with royal icing or store-bought icing.
Photo by Suzana Marinkovic
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