Tired of waiting hours for cookie dough to chill? Craving delicious, homemade cut-out cookies now? Then this recipe is your new best friend! These delightful cookies skip the chilling step entirely, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions, these no-chill cut-out cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (important for smooth mixing, no need to melt!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Assorted sprinkles, candies, or other decorations (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: 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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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here. If using a hand mixer, take your time to ensure the butter and sugar are thoroughly combined.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well incorporated before moving on.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gentle Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Roll & Cut: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust your hands and rolling pin with flour.
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Bake: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one for even baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool & Decorate: Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite sprinkles, candies, or frosting!
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets. This ensures even baking and prevents burning.
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the decorations from melting or smudging.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add 1-1.5 cups of chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Sugar Cookie Bars: Press the dough into a baking pan instead of cutting out shapes for an easy bar cookie variation.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on size and added ingredients. The following is an estimate for a medium-sized cookie:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Enjoy your freshly baked, no-chill cut-out cookies! They are perfect for sharing (or not!). These easy recipes make delicious dishes for any occasion – from quick dinner ideas to homemade cooking at its finest. They're truly among the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth.