Cutout Christmas Cookies
Festive and charming, cutout Christmas cookies feature spiced flavors with vanilla and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and decorating with colorful sugars and icing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add to creamed mixture; mix well.
- Chill for at least 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, a portion at a time, to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.
- Carefully brush with beaten egg white; sprinkle with colored sugar.
- Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you want to add a festive twist, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough. When rolling out the dough, use a floured surface and a rolling pin to prevent sticking. Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and better cookie shape. If you want a soft cookie, bake on the shorter end of the time range.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be decorated to match any theme. Serve them alongside a warm glass of milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with Sarah Brown's Squash Pie for an unexpected dessert spread. For an interactive dessert experience, set up a decorating station with various colored sugars and icing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, you can place parchment paper between layers of cookies. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cutout Christmas Cookies contains roughly 319 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter typically provides a richer taste and a better texture in cookies, while margarine can make them a bit softer. If you use margarine, choose a stick variety for better consistency in the dough.
What can I use instead of colored decorating sugars?
If you don't have colored sugars, you can use regular granulated sugar or sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar after baking. Alternatively, consider using edible glitter or chocolate sprinkles for a different decorative effect. You can also make your own colored sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting the 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).