Sour Cream Cut-out Cookies, Day 1

Ahh cut-out cookies.  The quintessential Christmas cookie.  I had to start my 12 Days of Chrismas Cookies list here.  Most of my friends and family members who bake cookies during the holiday season make these, especially the ones with little kids.  Decorating the cookies is the fun part!  The following recipe is one I got from my step mom a number of years ago, and it's by far my favorite cut-out cookie recipe.  I might be partial here, but I'm pretty sure it's the nutmeg.  ;-)

Cookie Recipe

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.  Beat in the eggs.  Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg.  Add the dry ingredients slowly to the wet mixture and stir well.  Wrap the dough in some plastic wrap and chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350°.  Roll out the dough on a heavily floured surface to desired thickness - I usually go for 1/4 inch because otherwise they'll take forever to bake.  Cut out your cookies with cookie cutters. Place the cookies on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookie springs back when lightly touched. Cool before frosting.

Frosting Recipe

1/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tbsp milk
1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
food coloring (optional)
assorted sprinkles

Mix all frosting ingredients until smooth, adding food coloring if desired.  Spread the frosting over cookies and top with sprinkles.  Voila!


Happy Baking and Merry Christmas!