Make these festive frosted holiday cutout cookies for a perfect Christmas treat that’s a great addition to Christmas parties and a hit with everyone. The step-by-step recipe is explained in such simple terms that even beginners will find it easy to master.
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Festive Frosted Holiday Cutout Cookies: On Perfect Christmas Treats
When Christmas arrives, the smell of fresh, homemade cookies during the holidays is simply delightful.
Festive frosted holiday cutout cookies are a timeless tradition in America, perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or baking with your family. These soft, buttery sugar cookies are cut into shapes and frosted with colorful frosting, making them delightful, ready-to-eat treats.
All Ingredients –
Sugar Cookie Dough Ingredients –
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup softened butter, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 cups flour, spoonfuls and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting –
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring – green, blue, red, gold, or favorite
Decorating Ingredients –
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Space
- Cutout cookies are much easier to make when your workspace is clean and organized.
- Clear your counter and gather all the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use two large baking sheets lined with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Use a medium-sized bowl and add the ingredients by volume and beat well.
- Flour, salt, baking powder
- Set the prepared dry mixture aside.
3. Beating the Butter and Sugar
- Use a large mixing bowl. Add one cup of sugar and one cup of butter and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until lightly fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- This step is crucial for soft cookies because it incorporates air into the dough.
4. Adding Eggs and Flavoring Ingredients
- For flavoring, add one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix everything thoroughly. Scrape any excess off the sides of the bowl.
5. Mixing the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry mixture to the prepared wet mixture, then add two tablespoons of milk one at a time. Continue mixing until the dough is combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this will make your cookies tough.
6. Chilling the Dough
- To chill the dough, divide it into two equal portions, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 1 hour to 24 hours.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent sticking while rolling and makes it easier to shape the cookies.
7. Rolling the Dough
- For a smooth rolling consistency, sprinkle a little flour on your surface and rolling pin, then roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- If you roll them too thin, the cookies will become crisp, and if they are too thick, they won’t cook evenly.
8. Cutting the Cookies
- For a more classic look, use festive-themed cookie cutters, such as snowflakes, stars, gingerbread men, or Christmas trees, and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Baking the Cookies
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.
- Keep in mind that sugar cookies cook very quickly.
- Remove from the oven quickly and place on a wire rack, but let them cool on the pan for 2 to 3 minutes first.
10. Preparing the Frosting
- For frosting, use a medium-sized bowl containing:
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- You can divide the frosting into separate bowls to use the desired color.
- Note: You can use more milk if needed for spreading or thickening.
11. Frosting and Decorating
- After all cookies have cooled to room temperature, use a piping bag or butter knife to frost them all over.
- Decorate by adding edible glitter, sprinkles, or candy pieces to the frosting before it sets.
12. Freezing the Frosting
- First, let all cookies sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to allow the frosting to harden slightly, then store.
Serving Suggestions:
- Here are some great serving suggestions for festive frosted holiday cutout cookies.
- They can be used to decorate any festive platter during a Christmas party.
- To give as a homemade gift, tie with a ribbon or a decorative tin and pack in a transparent bag for a classic look.
- Use eggnog, hot chocolate, or spiced cider for a cozy weekend or holiday feast that’s perfect for serving and eating.
Baking Tips for Frosted Holiday Cutout Cookies:
- When choosing a filling, use softened butter and eggs at room temperature.
- Avoid overmixing – Don’t overmix the flour; mix only until incorporated.
- Be sure to clean up the edges thoroughly and chill – chilled dough holds its shape better when baking.
- If you want a brighter color, use gel food coloring as you can achieve a richer color without thinning the frosting.
Storage – Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 6 to 7 days, and for longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
FAQ, Festive Frosted Holiday Cutout Cookies
Q. How to keep cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking—remove any that settle on the edges. Use a slice of bread to soften them and store them together in an airtight container.
Q. What if you don’t have cookie cutters?
Use the rim of a glass or cut out shapes with your hands using a knife.
Q. Can I knead the dough in advance?
Yes! The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept wrapped in the refrigerator until it is ready to be rolled and baked.
Final Thoughts
Festive Frosted Holiday Cutout Cookies are easy to make, yet they create a memorable experience, perfect for holiday parties and school memories. They’re perfect for family gatherings, autumn nights, and quiet afternoons.
These holiday cutout cookies bring a touch of joy, warmth, and holiday magic.
So grab your rolling pin, turn on some Christmas music, and start making these! Filled with the enchanting aroma of freshly baked holiday cheer, these cookies are a hit with everyone, making them a staple for every occasion.