Basic Dough for Cut Out Cookies
Looking for a go-to cut out cookie recipe that holds its shape and stays soft for days? Look no further! This basic dough recipe is your year-round solution, allowing for endless flavour variations.
90 min
Easy
4-6
Recipe Ingredients
- 100 grams caster sugar
- 200 grams unsalted butter, cold
- 300 grams plain flour
- 1 egg yolk, cold
- 1 tablespoon water, cold
- pinch of salt
- almond extract to taste (optional)
Methods
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, make sure all ingredients are measured and ready to use. This step streamlines the process and ensures a smooth baking experience.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk 300 grams of plain flour, 100 grams of caster sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Using a grater, grate 200 grams of cold, unsalted butter into the bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the cold egg yolk with a tablespoon of cold water and, if using, almond extract. Incorporate the egg yolk mixture into the dry ingredients.
Although a food processor can make this step easier, it is not absolutely necessary. Using your fingertips, gently rub the butter into the flour mixture, being careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Roll out the Dough
Once the ingredients are combined, divide the dough in half and place each portion on a piece of lightly floured baking parchment. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to about half a centimetre (¼”) thickness. The rolled-out dough can be of any shape as long as it is uniform in thickness. Repeat the process with the other half of the dough.
4. Chill the Dough
Place a piece of parchment paper with the dough on it on a baking sheet or a cutting board. Lightly dust the rolled-out dough with flour to prevent it from sticking. Then place the other baking paper with the rolled-out dough on top of the first one and cover with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
5. Cut out the Cookies
Once chilled, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Carefully remove the top piece of baking parchment with the dough from the fridge. Cut out shapes from the dough using cookie cutters and place them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting shapes until it is all used up. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 6-10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
7. Cool and Garnish
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Flavour Variations and Frosting Ideas
Lemon Twist: Add a hint of citrus flavour by incorporating lemon extract into the dough.
Vanilla Delight: For a classic vanilla flavour, simply omit the almond extract and let the buttery goodness shine through.
Almond Bliss: Double the almond flavour by adding almond extract to the dough, and top the cookies with sliced almonds before baking.
Looking for the perfect frosting to complement these delicious cookies? Check out my 4 Simple Cookie Frosting Recipes for the sweet finishing touch!
With this versatile recipe and endless flavour possibilities, you can whip up batch after batch of delicious cut-out cookies for any occasion.
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Enjoy!
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