Skip the hassle of messy frosting with these *Decorated Cut Out Cookies Without Frosting*! Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you need a fun, customizable treat, these cookies are buttery, tender, and effortless to decorate. Made with simple pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a hint of vanilla, they bake up with crisp edges and a soft center every time. Instead of frosting, sprinkle them with sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking for a beautiful, no-mess finish. The dough is easy to work with, making it ideal for creating crisp, clean shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. Whether you're prepping for a festive occasion or a rainy-day baking activity, these cookies deliver delicious results with minimal fuss.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, then mix again until thoroughly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it is easy to handle.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 hours) to make the dough easier to roll out.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between cookies.
Sprinkle the unbaked cookies with sanding sugar or sprinkles if desired, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere. Alternatively, bake plain cookies and decorate later with edible markers or food-safe paints.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Calories |
3991 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.5 g | 247% | |
| Saturated Fat | 118.6 g | 593% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 682 mg | 227% | |
| Sodium | 1738 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 528.4 g | 192% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 252.4 g | ||
| Protein | 45.4 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 521 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.