Soft Cut-Out Cookies
Soft Cut-Out Cookies
Soft Cut-Out Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. These cookies are perfect for making shapes and decorating, making them a favorite for holidays, birthdays, or simply a fun baking day. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, they are sure to become a hit with friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Soft Cut-Out Cookies is not just easy to follow, but it also allows for creativity in the kitchen. You can use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes and design them with icing and sprinkles to match any theme. Plus, they’re delicious and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re a novice baker or a pro, these cookies are simple yet rewarding to make.
How to Make Soft Cut-Out Cookies
Making Soft Cut-Out Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow the steps below for a delightful batch of cookies!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups flour
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before frosting or adding sprinkles.
How to Serve Soft Cut-Out Cookies
Serve your Soft Cut-Out Cookies on a beautiful platter. You can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or chocolates to make them even more special. They pair nicely with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, making them a perfect snack at any time of day.
How to Store Soft Cut-Out Cookies
To keep your Soft Cut-Out Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Soft Cut-Out Cookies
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking to the surface.
- Use different cookie cutters to make various shapes for any theme or celebration.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding different extracts or zest.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to the dough. Additionally, try using lemon or orange extract for a fruity twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
2. How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
You can add more extracts, such as lemon or orange, or mix in spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
3. Can I decorate the cookies before baking?
It’s best to bake the cookies first and let them cool before decorating. This will help the icing and decorations to stay in place better.
Soft Cut-Out Cookies
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Cut-Out Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, allowing for creativity with shapes and decorations.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before frosting or adding sprinkles.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and chill the dough before rolling.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
