Nothing says Christmas like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen! These Christmas cutout cookies are my absolute favorite holiday treats – simple enough for little hands to help with, but so delicious that even Santa would approve. I’ve been making this exact recipe since my kids were toddlers (now they’re taller than me!), and it’s become our family’s most cherished December tradition.
The dough comes together in minutes with basic pantry staples, but the real magic happens when you break out the cookie cutters. Stars, trees, snowmen – every shape turns into a blank canvas for your creativity. Trust me, these cookies taste even better when decorated with love (and maybe a few extra sprinkles). They’re perfect for gifting to neighbors, leaving out for Santa, or just nibbling while you watch holiday movies.
What I love most is how these cookies bring everyone together. My husband handles the rolling pin, the kids fight over who gets to press the cookie cutters, and I’m in charge of quality control (aka sneaking bites of dough). It’s messy, joyful, and exactly what holiday baking should be.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cutout Cookies
Listen, I know holiday baking can feel overwhelming – but these cookies? They’re the happy exception. Here’s why they’ve earned a permanent spot on my Christmas baking list:
- Impossible to mess up: No fancy techniques here – just cream, mix, roll, and bake. Even my 6-year-old nephew can (mostly) handle it.
- Decorator’s dream: The smooth surface holds icing like a champ, and the edges stay sharp – no puffy blobs masquerading as snowflakes.
- Holiday magic makers: That moment when you pull out the star-shaped cutter? Instant Christmas spirit.
- Better than store-bought: Wrap them in cellophane with ribbon, and suddenly you’re the most thoughtful gift-giver on the block.
- Dough tastes amazing: (I may or may not “accidentally” leave extra scraps for snacking.)
They’re the edible version of cozy Christmas sweaters – familiar, comforting, and guaranteed to make people smile.
Ingredients for Christmas Cutout Cookies
Okay, let’s gather our cookie squad! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these festive treats (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that substitutions rarely work here):
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, please! Packing it down leads to hockey pucks, not cookies
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – our little rising helper
- 1/4 tsp salt – just enough to make the flavors pop
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes until it gives slightly when pressed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – regular white sugar works best for clean shapes
- 1 large egg – straight from the fridge is fine
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff makes all the difference
That’s it! Seven simple ingredients that transform into holiday magic. Now let’s get mixing!
How to Make Christmas Cutout Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Making these cookies is like conducting a holiday symphony – each step builds toward something magical. I’ll walk you through my foolproof method that’s survived countless cookie-decorating marathons with my kids.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, grab your trusty mixer (or strong arms and a wooden spoon). Cream that softened butter and sugar until it’s fluffy and pale – about 2 minutes should do it. This is where the magic starts! Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Now, gradually add your dry ingredients – I do it in three batches to prevent flour explosions (learned that the messy way). The dough should come together nicely without being sticky – if it clings to your fingers, add a tablespoon more flour.
Step 2: Chill and Roll
Here’s my secret weapon: chilling. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight works too). Cold dough won’t stick to your rolling pin or lose its shape. When ready, roll between two sheets of parchment paper to exactly 1/4-inch thickness – any thinner and they’ll burn, any thicker and they won’t crisp up nicely.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – no guessing here, use an oven thermometer! Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges just start turning golden. They’ll seem soft but firm up as they cool. Pro tip: rotate your pans halfway for even browning. Let them cool completely before decorating – warm cookies melt icing into sad puddles.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cutout Cookies
After years of flour-covered countertops and cookie casualties, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:
- Flour lightly: Dust your surface and rolling pin with just enough flour to prevent sticking – too much makes the dough tough. I tap off excess like I’m seasoning a steak!
- Parchment is your friend: Line those baking sheets – no more scraping stuck cookies with a spatula (we’ve all been there).
- Rotate halfway: Ovens have hot spots! Give pans a 180-degree turn at the 4-minute mark for perfectly even browning.
- Chill between batches: If dough gets too soft while cutting shapes, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
These small steps turn good cookies into “wow, did you really make these?” cookies.
Decorating Your Christmas Cutout Cookies
Now comes the best part – turning these blank canvases into edible holiday masterpieces! My kids and I have tried every decoration under the sun, but here are our favorites:
- Royal icing: Dries hard and holds intricate designs. My simple recipe uses just powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle blizzard: Press them in while icing’s wet for maximum stickage (technical term).
- Edible glitter: Makes everything look magical – just brush on corn syrup first so it sticks.
- Melted chocolate: Perfect for piping details like snowman faces.
Pro tip: Let kids decorate with squeeze bottles – less mess, more fun!
Storing and Freezing Christmas Cutout Cookies
Here’s the beautiful thing about these cookies – they keep wonderfully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long). Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to protect your decorations. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies in ziplock bags with parchment between layers – they’ll stay perfect for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before decorating. I always stash a few extra batches in December for last-minute cookie emergencies!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious cookie (because even Santa checks his list twice!): About 120 calories per cookie, with 6g sugar and 6g fat. Remember, nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and decorations. Now go enjoy that holiday treat guilt-free!
FAQs About Christmas Cutout Cookies
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! Wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling – no need to bring to room temperature first.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading? Three secrets: 1) Make sure your butter isn’t too soft when creaming, 2) Chill the dough thoroughly before baking, and 3) Don’t skip the baking powder – it helps them hold their shape beautifully.
What’s the best icing for decorating? For beginners, I recommend simple powdered sugar glaze (just mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk). For more intricate designs, royal icing is unbeatable. My kids love using squeeze bottles of colored icing – way less messy than brushes!
Share Your Holiday Creations
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your cookie masterpieces! Snap photos of your decorated creations and tag me – I’ll feature my favorites on my holiday baking wall. Watching all your unique designs is better than Christmas morning! Now go make some memories (and crumbs).
Print
3-Ingredient Christmas Cutout Cookies: Magical Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these festive Christmas cutout cookies for a delicious holiday treat. Perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents spreading.
- Use royal icing or melted chocolate for decorating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cutout cookies, holiday treats, festive cookies, decorated cookies