Christmas Recipe #2-- Cut-Out Cookies

Growing up, I always looked forward to baking and decorating cut-out cookies with my mom at Christmas time. There cookies are soft with slightly crispy edges. Yum! :)


Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Sift 3 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough, and chill for 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets (I use parchment paper). On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use remaining ½ cup of flour to coat surface. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are barely brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
   
   

Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
  
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• food coloring

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.
   

My Baking Arsenal

I don't bake without my Air Bake baking sheets and silicone baking mats.