Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla bean paste until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Step 3: Divide the dough in half, flatten each portion into a thick disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll one chilled dough disk to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Notes
- To keep your holiday cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, placing parchment paper between decorated layers.
- If your baked cookies lose their snap after storage, place them on a tray in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 3 minutes to restore a delightful crisp texture.
- These warmly spiced cutouts are perfect served alongside a classic mug of homemade hot cocoa or dipped into a cold glass of milk for Santa.
- To ensure your detailed cookie cutter shapes hold their crisp edges and do not spread while baking, always make sure the cut dough shapes are fully cold when they enter the preheated oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Average Cookies (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 170
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 16g