There’s something magical about the holiday season that calls for baking delicious treats, and one of my all-time favorites has to be Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These cookies are not only a festive delight but also a fantastic way to bring loved ones together in the kitchen. Whether you’re decorating for a party or simply want to enjoy some sweet time with family, these cookies are a must-try!
Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Let’s dive into the world of cookies! With a soft and chewy texture, these sugar cookies are perfect for cutting into fun shapes and decorating with creamy frosting. Here’s how to whip them up!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and both vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If desired, add food coloring to create fun festive hues.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired!
Enjoy your homemade Cut Out Sugar Cookies and share the sweetness with friends and family. Happy baking!