CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIE CUTOUTS
This recipe is a classic that came out of the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens a while ago, but in our book, a recipe that stands the test of time is the only kind worth having! We recently baked up a batch of these cookies to give them a refreshed recipe image, and we can attest that these are an exceptionally fun option for bakers who want to make something that's achievable but still stretches their skills. The base for these cookies is delightfully short and treads the perfect line between being tender and having a satisfying little snap. Once they're out of the oven and cooled, the real fun begins. First they get brushed with a thin icing that forms a lovely, smooth canvas for decorating. Once that's set, creativity takes center stage, and you can test your hand at decorating with royal icing and all the sprinkles, sugars and nonpareils you can find in your pantry. The editor who took on the task of decorating these was intimidated at first, having a complicated history with royal icing, but found the recipe included below easy to work with to create beautiful cookies. Set aside some time to devote to making these cookies when the Christmas spirit really sets in-we promise they'll bring you the comfort and joy of the season!
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 3h30m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. On low speed, beat in egg, lemon peel and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt until well blended.
- Divide dough into 4 parts; flatten each part into 1/2-inch-thick round. Wrap each in waxed paper or plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Heat oven to 350°F. Remove 1 round of dough at a time from refrigerator. Between sheets of floured waxed paper or plastic wrap, roll dough until 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick. Cut with 3-inch cookie cutters in various shapes. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts 1 inch apart.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just until edges are golden. Cool on cookie sheets about 1 minute before removing to cooling rack. To make cookies for hanging, using a toothpick or end of plastic straw, carefully poke a hole in the top of each cookie while cookies are still hot. Cool 10 to 15 minutes before frosting.
- In medium bowl, stir together powdered sugar and meringue powder. Stir in 5 teaspoons lemon juice and enough of the 4 to 5 tablespoons water to make a thin icing. Transfer 1/2 cup of the icing into small bowl; set aside. Using a flexible pastry brush, paint cookies to the edges with icing. Place on cooling rack to dry completely, about 30 minutes.
- Beat reserved icing with electric mixer on high speed 5 to 7 minutes or until peaks form. Place in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; cut a very small hole in the bottom of the bag with the plain white icing. Squeeze icing onto glazed cookies. Before icing dries, sprinkle with decorations, and tap off excess. Dry thoroughly on cooling rack. Thread cookies with narrow ribbon for hanging.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Cookie (With Icing Only), Sodium 100 mg, Sugar 16 g, TransFat 0 g
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Innocent Production
[email protected]These cookies are a bit too sweet for my taste, but they're still good. I think I'll try using less sugar next time.
Aka Shi
[email protected]These cookies are a great way to use up leftover butter. They're also very versatile - you can add different flavors or fillings to change them up.
Mahdi Vlogs
[email protected]I love these cookies! They're so simple to make and they always turn out great. I like to add a little bit of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
Riza Paraguya
[email protected]These cookies are delicious! The dough is easy to work with and the cookies hold their shape well. They're also very pretty with the colored sprinkles.
Oppo A1k
[email protected]I've made these cookies several times now and they always turn out perfect. They're so light and fluffy, and the glaze gives them a nice shine.
Goratile Mxekwa
[email protected]These butter cookies are a hit! They're so easy to make and they taste delicious. I love that I can use cookie cutters to make them into different shapes. They're perfect for Christmas or any other holiday.