Vanilla Cutout Cookies that Don't Spread
Learn the secrets to baking cutout cookies with neat edges, that won’t spread as they bake! You’ll fall in love with baking and decorating cutout cookies.
Servings: 24 cookies, approx.***
Calories: 183kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) cubed, cold
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs large
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approx., you may need slightly more or less)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream the butter and sugar, just until smooth and combined (try not to whip in any air).
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until incorporated.
- Add the cornstarch and salt, mixing on medium-low speed.
- Stir in the flour (about ¼ cup at a time) until the dough gathers itself into a ball and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl (it should feel soft but not sticky).
- Working with a manageable amount at a time, roll the dough out between 2 sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of ⅜-inch.*
- Cut into shapes, peel away from the bottom sheet of parchment carefully (see the video below), flip onto the prepared baking sheets, and bake until set around the edges but still quite soft in the centers (approx. 7 to 10 minutes for 2 ½-inch, ⅜-inch thick cookies).
- Cool completely, then decorate with royal icing.
Video
Notes
*Rolling pin rings will help you get an even thickness.
**If you live in a very dry environment, or if you don't have a very powerful mixer, you may not need all the flour. Add about ¼ cup at a time, and stop adding when the dough gathers itself into a ball and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. Keep in mind that the dough will become drier as it sits, so if you're making ahead you may want to add slightly less flour.
***Yield varies depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
©Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 256IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg