Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and buttery brown sugar cutout cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for festive occasions or cookie exchanges, delighting both kids and adults alike with their crisp texture.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 6 Tbsp. cold water
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 c. butter or oleo
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • approximately 6 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream together the light brown sugar, butter or oleo, cooking oil, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Add 2 cups of flour and stir well.
  5. Mix in water and 2 more cups of flour along with the baking soda and cream of tartar, stirring until combined.
  6. Add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one at a time, until the dough is stiff enough to roll.
  7. Chill the dough overnight.
  8. Roll the dough thin and cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
  9. Place on cookie sheets and bake for about 8 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them, removing them from the oven when they're just lightly browned. You can substitute coconut oil for the cooking oil for a different flavor profile. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor may change slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also drizzle them with a simple icing or sprinkle with colored sugar for decoration. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside 'Primavera Salad' for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For prolonged freshness, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. To enjoy again, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brown Sugar Cutout Cookies contains roughly 789 calories, with 2g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is a good source of potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1761mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

789 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 39.9g 51% DV
Carbs 35.3g 13% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 17.6g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1760.7mg 77% DV
Potassium 494.9mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 141.5mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 89.4mg 7% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 brown sugar instead of white sugar in this recipe?

Yes, this recipe already calls for light brown sugar, which adds a rich flavor and moisture to the cookies. If you want a deeper flavor, you can experiment with dark brown sugar, but it may affect the color and taste slightly.

How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or by incorporating citrus zest like lemon or orange. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can also give a delightful texture and taste to the cookies.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, gradually add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Ensure your work surface is well-floured when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up.

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).

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