Imagine biting into a cookie so perfectly shaped, it looks like it was crafted by professional bakers. These Cutout Cookies are your ticket to becoming a kitchen superstar, with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Whether you're preparing for a holiday celebration, a baking competition, or simply want to impress your family and friends, these cookies are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Ensure butter is softened to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, using additional flour to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them carefully on prepared baking sheets with minimal space between cuts.
- Chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain crisp edges.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just barely golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating or storing in an airtight container.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature - soft but not melted. This creates the perfect creaming consistency.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Don't skip the refrigeration steps. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains those sharp, clean edges.
- Flour Your Surface Lightly: Too much flour can make cookies tough. Use just enough to prevent sticking.
- Use Sharp Cookie Cutters: Clean, sharp cutters will give you the most precise shapes.
- Work in Batches: Keep unused dough refrigerated while working to maintain its consistency.
- Baking Precision: Watch cookies closely - they should be just barely golden at the edges for the best texture.
- Cooling Matters: Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.Pro tip: For extra-clean edges, freeze the cut-out shapes for 10 minutes before baking to help them maintain their perfect shape!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
