Elk and Other Animal Cut Out Cookies
Bring a touch of wilderness to your kitchen with these charming Elk and Other Animal Cut Out Cookies! Perfect for holiday baking or nature-themed celebrations, these cookies combine a tender, buttery dough with a hint of vanilla and almond for a flavor that’s both classic and irresistible. Designed to hold their shape, these cookies are ideal for using with fun animal-shaped cookie cutters, from majestic elk to playful forest critters. With just a few simple steps, including an easy-to-handle dough and a quick bake time, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and sure to delight kids and adults alike. Whether decorated with royal icing or enjoyed as-is, these animal cookies are a whimsical treat guaranteed to make any occasion extra special.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
Instructions
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined and smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use elk-shaped cookie cutters or cutters in other animal shapes to cut out cookies.
Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
If desired, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar to bring the animal shapes to life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3895 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.5 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.9 g | 620% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 713 mg | 238% | |
| Sodium | 1767 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 478.7 g | 174% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 202.1 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 17.7 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 517 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.
