If you’ve already hauled out the holly, decked the halls and bedazzled your home to look like a Lite Brite, you’re next mission is probably to raise a small army of gingerbread men. These anthropomorphic cookies are a favorite among children and holiday-enthusiasts alike. While according to some sources, the edible human representations were originally used as substitutes for live sacrifice, the cookie has lost all ominous implications since the invention of the incurably friendly, gumdrop button. In other cultures, the cookies were exchanged as love tokens with affectionate words written on them – like the modern-day conversation heart. Whatever your intentions are for taking out your mixing bowl and rolling out these tasty figurines, here is a delicious recipe that is sure to satisfy any sacrifice, admirer, or cookie-lover.
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Festive Holiday Cut-Out Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
Description
These festive holiday cut-out cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with your favorite icing and sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature.
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Decorate with royal icing or your favorite frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does cream cheese do in this cut-out cookie dough?
The 4 oz of cream cheese is creamed together with the butter to create a richer, more tender dough than a standard butter-only cookie. Both must be softened to room temperature first — this is essential for the right creamy texture before you add the sugar, egg, and vanilla.
How long can I store these cookies?
These cookies keep in an airtight container for up to a week. If you plan to decorate them, I recommend royal icing or your favorite frosting with sprinkles once they are completely cooled.
