CUTOUT CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Cutout Christmas Cookies image

These old-fashioned Christmas cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family for many years. It was a joy to make these cookies for my children, and now my little granddaughter will soon be enjoying them, too. -Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield about 6 dozen (2-inch cookies).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Frosting or confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps:

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder salt, nutmeg and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Chill for at least 1 hour. , On a lightly floured surface, roll dough, a portion at a time, to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate as desired with frosting or confectioners' sugar., To Make Ahead: Dough can be made 2 days in advance. Wrap in plastic and place in a resealable bag. Store in the refrigerator., Freeze option: Freeze undecorated cookies in freezer containers. To use, thaw in covered containers and decorate as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 116 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 95mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.