Christmas Cookie Cut Outs
A family tradition and favorite. These cookies are great with and without frosting, but we prefer with.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 3cups all-purpose flour
- 2teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1teaspoon baking soda
- 1teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1pinch ground cinnamon
- 1cup butter, softened
- 1cup white sugar
- 3eggs, beaten
- 1teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4cups confectioners' sugar
- ½cup butter, softened
- 1tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼cup milk
- 2drops any color food coloring
Instructions
Step 1
Sift together flour, cream of tarter, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla with the last egg. Mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Cover and refrigerate dough overnight.Step 2
Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with Christmas cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.Step 3
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. If using cutters that have small appendages, such as reindeer legs, reduce the baking time or they will overcook. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.Step 4
Beat the butter and confectioners' sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl, mixture will be stiff. Add the vanilla and slowly mix in the milk a little at a time until a spreading consistency is reached. Stir in food coloring, if desired. Make sure cookies are completely cool before frosting.