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christmas cut out cookies on parchment paper frosted with green, red, and white frosting in the shape of trees, stars, and candy canes.
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5 from 1 vote

Christmas Cut Out Cookies

Nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated Christmas Cut Out Cookies. With a dough that rolls out easily and frosting that sets to a shine, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or setting out for Santa.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill2 hours
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas Cookies, Cut out Christmas cookies, Sugar Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 298kcal
Cost: 15

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 2 cups butter softened
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 7 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 teaspoons almond extract

Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 16 ounces confectioners sugar 1 package
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Cookies

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the cookies stay tender.
  • Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
  • Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden. Cool on a wire rack completely before decorating.

Frosting

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and at your desired consistency.
  • Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies, and add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.

Notes

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container or ziplock baggie at room temperature for up to a week. Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.
Freezing: Freeze cookie dough by wrapping the dough in plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe container. Thaw at room temperature before baking. Freeze unfrosted cookies or frosted cookies by letting them cool (and set) completely before placing in a freezer safe bag.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can swap cream of tartar with the same amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. It works just as well to keep the cookies soft and helps prevent them from spreading.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 2mg