Sugar-Cookie Cutouts

These classic sugar cookie cutouts are the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or special celebrations. Made with a rich base of butter, eggs, and vanilla, the dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes. The addition of heavy cream ensures a smooth texture that bakes up with a slight crisp edge and a soft center. Sprinkled with vibrant red and green colored sugars, these cookies offer a festive visual appeal that delights guests of all ages. They are equally delicious plain or decorated with your favorite icing. Simple to prepare and highly rewarding, this recipe yields a generous batch perfect for sharing, gifting, or storing for later enjoyment.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 72

Calories: 1769.6

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

These classic sugar cookie cutouts are the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or special celebrations. Made with a rich base of butter, eggs, and vanilla, the dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes. The addition of heavy cream ensures a smooth texture that bakes up with a slight crisp edge and a soft center. Sprinkled with vibrant red and green colored sugars, these cookies offer a festive visual appeal that delights guests of all ages. They are equally delicious plain or decorated with your favorite icing. Simple to prepare and highly rewarding, this recipe yields a generous batch perfect for sharing, gifting, or storing for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

1 cup Butter
1 cup Granulated sugar
2 lg Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
3 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
2 teaspoon Baking powder
1/4 cup Heavy (whipping) cream
1/3 cup Red colored sugar
1/3 cup Green colored sugar

Directions

1
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
2
Beat in eggs and vanilla until blended.
3
With mixer on low speed, gradually beat in flour, baking powder, and cream until well blended.
4
Press dough together, then divide in half.
5
Wrap each half tightly and chill for 3 hours or until firm enough to roll.
6
Heat oven to 350F (177C).
7
Grease cookie sheets.
8
On a lightly floured surface, roll 1 piece of dough at a time (keep remainder refrigerated) to 1/4-inch thickness.
9
Cut in desired shapes with floured 3-inch cookie cutters.
10
Sprinkle each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of colored sugar.
11
Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets.
12
Bake for 14 minutes or just until bottoms and edges are lightly browned.
13
Cool completely on cookie sheets on wire racks.
14
Repeat with remaining dough, rerolling scraps and chilling if necessary.
15
Decorate with icing as desired.
16
Let stand for two hours until icing sets.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 72

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1769.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 61.8g96%
Saturated Fat 36.0g180%
Cholesterol 332.0mg111%
Sodium 805.0mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 272.8g91%
Dietary Fiber 6.1g25%
Sugars 101.7g
Protein 29.9g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and maintain shape definition. If the dough becomes too soft during rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

For best results, use sharp cookie cutters and dip them in flour between cuts to help release the dough cleanly.

The colored sugar can be sprinkled on before baking for a festive look, or you can decorate with royal icing after the cookies have cooled completely.

Original recipe source: Woman's Day Incredible Cookies (11/23/93).

Keywords: sugar cookies, cutouts, holiday cookies, butter cookies, baking, christmas, dessert, festive, vanilla, rolled cookies, decorated, sweet, treats, holiday baking, cookie dough, festive desserts, simple baking, family recipe, cookie exchange, seasonal treats, vanilla flavor

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