Easy Cutout Christmas Cookies
Easy cutout sugar cookies with orange juice in the dough and a simple butter, powdered sugar, and milk frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling if needed
- Butter for frosting
- Powdered sugar for frosting
- Milk for frosting
- Food coloring and sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light.
- Beat in eggs, vanilla, and orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake 7 to 8 minutes, until set but not browned.
- Cool completely.
- Mix frosting ingredients until smooth and tint with food coloring if desired.
- Frost and decorate cooled cookies.
Notes
Chill the dough overnight so it rolls cleanly and holds its shape. Pull cookies when they look just set; they firm up as they cool. Use parchment or a silicone mat for even baking. Freeze unfrosted cookies and decorate later for easier holiday prep.
