Get ready to transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with the most irresistible Christmas cookies that will make Santa himself do a double-take! Nana Smith's legendary Christmas Cut Out Cookies are more than just a recipe - they're a cherished family tradition that brings warmth, joy, and mouthwatering memories to life. With their perfect balance of buttery sweetness and delicate almond hints, these cookies aren't just treats; they're edible pieces of holiday magic that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
- After the dough has chilled, remove one portion from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes as desired.
- Place the cut-out cookies on ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar over the cookies for decoration. This adds a festive touch to your Christmas cut-out cookies.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your Nana Smith's Christmas Cut Out Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill Your Dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilled dough prevents spreading and helps maintain intricate cookie shapes.
- Flour Your Surface Lightly: Too much flour can make cookies tough, so use a delicate touch when rolling out the dough.
- Use Fresh Extracts: The vanilla and almond extracts are key flavor boosters - make sure they're fresh and high-quality.
- Decorate Creatively: Colored sugar is just the beginning. Consider royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for extra festive flair.
- Watch Baking Time Carefully: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool Completely: Let cookies cool entirely before storing to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
