Best Cutout Cookies
Decorative cutout cookies with a sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for holidays and festivities, appealing to bakers of all skill levels seeking customizable treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend the sifted dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Roll out small portions of dough on a floured board.
- Cut out cookies with cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350°F until light brown, approximately 12 minutes. Do not overbake.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper can help prevent sticking. For a festive twist, consider adding almond extract or citrus zest to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These cutout cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or colored sprinkles, making them a festive treat for holidays. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with Easiest Key Lime Pie for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage; just layer them with parchment paper in a zip-top bag. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Cutout Cookies contains roughly 902 calories, with 1g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, the texture may be slightly denser, so you might want to adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, try adding a little extra shortening or butter to the dough. Also, avoid overbaking them; they should be just lightly golden when you take them out of the oven. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack can also help maintain softness.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
For decorating, royal icing is a popular choice as it hardens well and allows for detailed designs. You can also use fondant for a smooth finish or simply dust them with powdered sugar for a classic look. Consider pairing them with Chocolate Ice Tubs for a fun dessert display.
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).