Are you tired of the same old sugar cookies? Craving something delicious, yet manageable for even the busiest weeknights? Then these cut-out cookies are for you! This recipe delivers all the fun of shaping and decorating classic sugar cookies, but with a delightful twist that makes them irresistible. Forget overly sweet and overly complicated; these are easy recipes for even the most novice bakers. They're perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple weeknight treat – a truly delicious dish for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, frosting, and other decorations of your choice
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but you can also use a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even do it by hand – a great arm workout!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, unleash your creativity and decorate them with sprinkles, frosting, or any other delightful toppings you desire.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading. Don't skip this step!
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for warm, spiced cookies.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on size and decorations. The nutritional information provided below is an estimation for a medium-sized cookie without frosting or extra decorations.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18g
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Protein: 1-2g
These cut-out cookies are the perfect easy recipe for a quick dinner treat or a festive celebration. They’re a healthy meal alternative compared to other sugary options, and they’re incredibly fun to make and decorate! Enjoy!