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The holiday season calls for the perfect batch of cookies, and there’s nothing quite like The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts Recipe to get you into the festive spirit. Whether you’re crafting these delicious cookies for holiday gatherings or as delightful edible gifts, achieving that ideal sugar cookie dough for shaping can be straightforward and fun. Let’s explore how you can master this classic favorite and bring the joy of intricate cookie cutouts to your home baking adventures.
Ingredients List
To craft the perfect sugar cookies for cutouts, you’ll need a blend of key ingredients that ensure both flavor and firmness, allowing for precise cutouts and delightful decorations:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
Timing
The total time required for The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts Recipe can vary, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1–2 hours (this is crucial for perfect cutouts)
- Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
Allowing the dough to chill is critical for maintaining its shape during baking. For additional baking tips and tricks that make a difference, consider how chilling impacts texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the butter is well integrated with the sugar.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated. The extracts contribute to the nuanced flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Explore an array of healthy holiday baking tips to tweak this recipe.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Flatten each into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential for easy rolling and precise cutting of shapes, ensuring that The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts Recipe stay firm and defined.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Once chilled, roll out each disc on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes. Carefully transfer cutouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.
For more ideas, this essential sugar cookie dough recipe provides key insights on achieving perfect shapes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on oven temperatures. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Knowing when the centers are still somewhat soft is key. This method ensures a perfect balance between a crisp edge and a tender middle.
Nutritional Info
The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts Recipe yields cookies that are not only beautiful but also flavorful. Each cookie can be approximately 90 calories, with about 4g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. The butter gives them richness, while sugar adds the sweet touch, making them delightful treats for any occasion. Learn more about sugar in Sugar 101: Heart-Healthy Cooking.
To learn more about Best sugar cookie dough for shaping, check out this detailed guide, which provides additional insights into achieving perfect cookie consistency.
Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking to make these cookies a bit healthier, consider the following substitutions:
- Butter Substitution: Replace half of the butter with coconut oil to reduce saturated fats.
- Flour Alternatives: Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Reduced Sugar: Substitute regular sugar with a combination of honey and stevia for a lower glycemic index. Explore these healthy cookie alternatives for more ideas.
Each of these alternatives will alter the texture and flavor slightly, but they’re great for reducing calories and sugar content without losing the cookie’s integrity.
Serving Suggestions
Serving these cookies can be as creative as you desire. Here are a few ideas:
- Decorate with royal icing and edible glitter for festive parties. Check out our royal icing recipe for perfect decorations.
- Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and top with sprinkles for a colorful variation.
- Serve with hot cocoa or milk for a classic pairing that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common baking mistakes ensures The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips:
- Overmixing the dough: Overworking the dough after adding the flour can result in tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step may lead to soft cookies that spread too much in the oven.
- Incorrect measurements: Ensure all ingredients are measured correctly, using a scale for dry ingredients can provide the best results.
Storing Tips
Proper storage of your sugar cookies will help them stay fresh longer:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight
📝 Recipe: The Ultimate Sugar Cookies for Cutouts
🍽️ Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Roll and Chill: Divide the dough in half, place each half between two sheets of parchment paper, and roll out to about ¼ inch thick. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Cut and Bake: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
⏱️ Preparation Time
15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time
8-10 minutes per batch
🍴 Servings
36 cookies (depending on cutter size)
