German Cutout Cookies

Prep: 60 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 84 Cuisine: German

German cutout cookies are delightful, buttery treats with crisp edges and intricate shapes, perfect for holidays or special occasions, decorated with colorful icing or sprinkles.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup margarine or butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup Karo light or dark corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cups unsifted flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix margarine or butter, sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice, and egg in a food processor or with a mixer at medium speed until smooth.
  2. Gradually mix in the unsifted flour and salt until combined.
  3. Chill the dough for 1 hour.
  4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough 1/3 at a time to 1/8 inch thickness.
  5. Cut into desired shapes, place on a cookie sheet, and decorate as desired.
  6. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
  7. Remove from oven and cool on a rack.
  8. Makes about 7 dozen 2-inch cookies.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a slightly different texture, you can substitute half of the flour with almond flour. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling it out to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft while working, return it to the fridge for a bit. For a fun twist, consider adding a touch of almond extract to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

These German Cutout Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or tea time. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, decorate with icing or sprinkles. They also pair beautifully with Basic Crepe Mixture, making for a wonderful dessert spread at your next brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Cutout Cookies contains roughly 2068 calories, with 7g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 198g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

2068 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 197.8g 100% DV
Carbs 74.8g 27% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1871.9mg 81% DV
Potassium 513mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 14.8mg 16% DV
Calcium 158mg 12% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% 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 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 healthier option. This will give the cookies a nuttier flavor and denser texture, but be cautious not to exceed this ratio to maintain the cookie's structure.

How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or lemon zest to the dough. These additions will provide a lovely aroma and depth to the cookies, making them even more enjoyable.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for an additional 15-30 minutes, which will make it easier to handle.

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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