Christmas Cutout Cookies

Decorating cookies with the kids this evening has been a perfect ending to this holiday weekend. I so look forward to this time of the year! This is just the beginning of our cookie decorating tradition. #Christmas #cutout #cookies #recipes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 sticks of butter, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for rolling out the cookies
• Christmas cookie cutters
• Sprinkles, candy toppings, marshmallows, etc.

Frosting

• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of whipped cream cheese
• 2 Tbsp of milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• Food coloring, optional

The food coloring can be added to the frosting, once prepared, by simply dividing the frosting in half or thirds, to add different colors to your frosting.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375° degrees.

In a small bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using a hand blender, mix together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Blend until smooth. 

Add the flour mixture and, using a spoon or fork, stir just until all ingredients are well blended. Separate the cookie dough into three parts and form each part into a ball. Wrap the dough up in wax paper and chill in a refrigerator for 2 hours.

When the dough has chilled and hardened, remove from the refrigerator and flour a sheet of wax paper and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. 

Using the desired cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place on a non-greased cookie sheet approximately two inches apart. (I use parchment paper.)

Cook the cookies for 8 - 10 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown.

While the cookies are cooking prepare the frosting by combininig and mixing all of the ingredients together just until blended.The frosting should be thick and spreadable.

When the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

When the cookies are completely cool, have fun decorating!

Enjoy with a nice glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Makes 24 - 36 cookies.

©Rolisweets