Cut-out Sugar Cookies

Cut-out Sugar Cookies Recipe - How to Make Delicious Sugar Cookies

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 7-9 minutes per batch | Servings: 24

Introduction

Cut-out sugar cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are not only delicious, but they can also be decorated in a variety of ways to suit any theme or holiday.

History

Cut-out sugar cookies have been a popular treat for generations. The recipe is believed to have originated in Europe, where it was traditionally made during the holiday season. Over time, the recipe has evolved and become a staple in many households around the world.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of butter-flavored crisco
0.75 cup of sugar
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp of milk
1 tsp of vanilla
1 egg
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt

Creamy Vanilla Frosting

0.5 cup of butter-flavored crisco
1 lb (454 g) or 4 cups of confectioners' sugar
0.33 cup of milk
1 tsp of vanilla
1 or 2 drops of food color can be used to tint each cup of frosting

How to prepare

In a large bowl, cream together butter flavor Crisco, sugar, milk, and vanilla using an electric mixer at medium speed until well blended.
Beat in the egg.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for several hours to overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
On a floured surface, roll out half of the dough to about 0.13 inch thickness.
Cut the dough into desired shapes.
Place the shapes on an ungreased baking sheet, keeping them 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle colored sugar and decors on top, or leave plain to frost later when cool.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 7 to 9 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly.
Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.

Creamy vanilla frosting

In a medium bowl, combine Crisco, confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla using an electric mixer at low speed until well blended.
Scrape the sides of the bowl.
Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, or until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost the cooled cookies.
Note: The frosting works well in a decorating tube.

Variations

For a lemon or orange cookie variation, add 1 tsp of grated lemon peel or orange peel and 1 tsp of lemon or orange extract to step 1.
For a lemon or orange cookie frosting variation, eliminate the milk and instead add 0.33 cup of lemon or orange juice. Also, add 1 tsp of orange peel along with the orange juice.
Add a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract to the dough for a different flavor.
Use different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to create a variety of designs.
Add sprinkles or edible glitter to the cookies before baking for a festive touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies keep their shape.

- Use cookie cutters in a variety of shapes to create fun and festive designs.

- Be sure to keep an eye on the cookies while they are baking, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy will help create a tender cookie.

- Rolling the dough out to an even thickness will ensure that the cookies bake evenly.

- Decorating the cookies with frosting or icing while they are still warm will help the decorations adhere better.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of Crisco for a slightly different flavor.

- Almond or soy milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for cut-out sugar cookies can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tray for a festive display. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or edible glitter for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Cut-out sugar cookies pair well with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They can also be served alongside other holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cut-out sugar cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cut-out sugar cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cut-out sugar cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cut-out sugar cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cut-out sugar cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cut-out sugar cookies are a sweet treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Cut-out sugar cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating, you can create a delicious and festive treat that will delight your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cut-out Sugar Cookies. It was a warm summer day, and I was just a little girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was a fantastic cook, and she always seemed to have a new recipe up her sleeve. That day, she decided to teach me how to make these delicious cookies, and I was ecstatic.

As we gathered the ingredients and started mixing the dough, my aunt told me the story behind the recipe. She said that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a treasured family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and my aunt was proud to carry on the tradition.

The dough came together easily, and we rolled it out on a floured surface, cutting out shapes with cookie cutters in various sizes. I was mesmerized by the process, watching as the cookies took on different forms – hearts, stars, animals, and more. My aunt showed me how to carefully transfer the cookies to a baking sheet, and then popped them in the oven to bake.

As the cookies baked, the sweet scent filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were done, we let them cool before decorating them with colored icing and sprinkles. My aunt showed me how to be creative with the decorations, using different colors and designs to make each cookie unique.

When we finally sat down to taste our creations, I was blown away by how delicious they were. The cookies were light and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness. I couldn't stop eating them, savoring each bite as if it were a piece of heaven.

From that day on, I was hooked on making Cut-out Sugar Cookies. I begged my aunt for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. I started making the cookies on my own, experimenting with different shapes and decorations, and soon they became a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to make the cookies for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Each time, they were met with rave reviews, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was carrying on a beloved family tradition. I even started teaching my own grandchildren how to make the cookies, passing on the recipe to yet another generation.

As I look back on that day with my aunt, I am grateful for the memories we shared and the bond we forged over a simple recipe. The Cut-out Sugar Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of cooking and the importance of passing down traditions from one generation to the next. And as I continue to make these cookies for my loved ones, I am filled with a sense of connection to my past and hope for the future.