Here’s a classic recipe for Vanilla Cutout Cookies—perfect for decorating during the holidays!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until fully combined.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
3. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
4. Roll Out and Cut:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, then transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
5. Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate:
- Once the cookies have cooled, decorate them with your favorite icing, sprinkles, or other toppings.
Icing Option:
Simple Royal Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want colored icing, divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Enjoy making and decorating these Vanilla Cutout Cookies for any festive occasion!