Butter Cookie Christmas Cut-Outs
Sweet, buttery cookies perfect for Christmas cut-outs, featuring classic flavors of vanilla and confectioners sugar, ideal for festive baking with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the margarine until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add confectioners sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Add the unbeaten egg and vanilla; beat well.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture until well combined.
- Chill the dough for about an hour.
- Roll the dough on a well-floured pastry board to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies with a floured cookie cutter.
- Bake on an unbuttered cookie sheet at 400°F for approximately 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you're looking for a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent sticking. Using a mix of floured and unfloured surfaces can help achieve just the right thickness for your cookies. Remember to watch the cookies closely while baking, as they can brown quickly.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect on their own but can also be adorned with royal icing or sprinkles for a holiday touch. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a delightful treat during gatherings. Consider serving them alongside Mrs. Claus' Fudge for a sweet dessert table or gifting them as part of a holiday cookie box.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Cookie Christmas Cut-Outs contains roughly 1593 calories, with 5g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is a good source of potassium (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2511mg per serving (109% 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 different flavors of extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! You can experiment with almond, lemon, or peppermint extracts to give your cookies a unique twist. Just remember that some extracts are stronger than vanilla, so start with half the amount and adjust to your taste preference.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
Decorate your cookies with colorful icing, edible glitter, or festive sprinkles after baking. You can also use cookie cutters in holiday shapes, like stars or Christmas trees, to add a seasonal flair. Consider pairing them with Friendship Candy for a delightful holiday treat assortment.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If your dough is sticking, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. Alternatively, sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface and the rolling pin to help manage stickiness. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can alter the texture of your cookies.
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).