Are you dreaming of a kitchen filled with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies? This holiday season, ditch the store-bought treats and embrace the joy of homemade goodness with our incredibly easy cut-out butter cookie recipe. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for decorating with the kids, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of milk or cocoa. This recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas (even if it's dessert!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, colored sugars, or other decorations (optional)
Instructions:
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Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too, just expect a bit more of a workout!
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Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly shaped cookies! Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Roll and Cut Out Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Let your creativity shine! Re-roll scraps to minimize waste.
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Bake: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool and Decorate: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with sprinkles, colored sugars, or your favorite icing.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and maintaining shape.
- Proper Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake to avoid burning.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories (depending on size and decorations)
These delicious cut-out butter cookies are a simple yet elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results! They’re sure to become a new holiday favorite – or a delightful addition to any day’s delicious dishes. These healthy meals (relatively speaking!) are worth the effort!