Auntie'S Cutout Cookies
Delightful cutout cookies with rich cream cheese flavor, perfect for special occasions or holidays, and easily customizable with colorful frosting and decorations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream 2 packages of cream cheese, margarine, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour; mix well to form a dough.
- Chill the dough overnight.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
- Combine remaining cream cheese, milk, and grated orange rind; mix until well blended.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar to make frosting.
- Tint frosting with food coloring if desired.
- Frost cookies and decorate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you're in a pinch, you can use a pre-made frosting instead of making your own. Ensure the dough is well-chilled for easier handling and cleaner shapes when cutting. Experiment with flavors by adding lemon or almond extract to the frosting for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies can be served at parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside 'Miss' Lynette'S Favorite Shoepeg Corn Casserole for a delightful meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Auntie'S Cutout Cookies contains roughly 187 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. However, using butter may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. Ensure the butter is softened to achieve the best creaming consistency with the cream cheese and sugar.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
To make your cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting or using different food coloring shades for the icing. You can also create themed shapes using cookie cutters for holidays or special occasions.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).