Decorated Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

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Below is a full, expanded, “big” recipe write-up for Melissa Falk’s winning Decorated Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs, complete with:

✅ Introduction
✅ History & background
✅ Ingredients
✅ Instructions
✅ Methods & tips
✅ Formation & shaping
✅ Notes for cookie lovers
✅ Conclusion

Enjoy!

🍪 Decorated Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Inspired by the winning 2024 Cookie Exchange recipe by Melissa Falk of Avon, Ohio

🌟 Introduction

Sugar cookies are timeless—beloved for their buttery softness, delicate sweetness, and endless decorating possibilities. These Decorated Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs are the kind that practically melt in your mouth, holding their shape beautifully while staying tender inside. This recipe pays tribute to the classic American sugar cookie tradition while celebrating Melissa Falk’s delightful winning entry from Avon, Ohio. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or cozy weekend baking, these cookies are designed to be both easy to make and stunning to decorate.

📜 A Short History of Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies trace their roots back to the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German Protestant settlers crafted a simple, round, buttery cookie known as the Nazareth Sugar Cookie. Over time, this treat evolved into the modern cut-out sugar cookie—firm enough for shapes, soft enough to enjoy with a cup of milk or tea, and versatile enough to decorate with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or edible paints.

Melissa’s recipe continues this tradition with a modern twist: maximizing tenderness while ensuring the dough stays sturdy for precise cut-out shapes.

⚙️ Formation: What Makes These Cookies Perfect?

The beauty of these cookies lies in:

  • Chilled dough → prevents spreading
  • Balanced fats (butter + optional cream cheese) → melt-in-your-mouth softness
  • Minimal mixing after flour addition → ensures tenderness
  • Even rolling → leads to consistent baking
  • A neutral flavor base → perfect canvas for vibrant decorations

🧈 Ingredients

FOR THE SUGAR COOKIES

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but amazing)
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

OPTIONAL (for extra softness and melt-in-your-mouth texture):

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (replacing 2 tbsp of the butter)

FOR EASY ROYAL ICING (DECORATING)

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6–8 tablespoons warm water
  • Gel food coloring as desired

🥣 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  2. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low until combined—do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1–2 hours.

2. Roll & Cut Shapes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly flour your work surface.
  3. Roll dough to ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
  4. Use your favorite cookie cutters—snowflakes, trees, hearts, stars, animals—whatever inspires you!
  5. Transfer cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake

  • Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are set but not browned.
  • Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4. Make the Royal Icing

  1. In a stand mixer, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons water.
  2. Beat on medium until glossy, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add more water as needed to reach piping or flood consistency.
  4. Divide, color, and prepare for decorating.

5. Decorate

  • Pipe borders, flood surfaces, add details, paint with edible gold, add sprinkles, or create marbled swirls.
  • Allow icing to dry fully (6–12 hours) before storing or packaging.

🧁 Methods, Tips & Secrets for Perfect Cut-Outs

✔️ Chill Twice

Chill once before rolling and once after cutting for ultra-clean edges.

✔️ Avoid Over-flouring

Too much flour during rolling will toughen the dough—use only what you need.

✔️ Use Gel Colors

Water-based colors can thin the icing too much.

✔️ Rotate Trays Halfway Through Baking

Ensures even coloring and texture.

❤️ For the Cookie Lovers

These cookies are a dream for:

  • Royal icing enthusiasts who want a sturdy yet tender canvas
  • Holiday bakers creating themed assortments
  • Kids and families who want a decorating project
  • Butter lovers who want that classic, nostalgic sugar-cookie flavor
  • Creative bakers who enjoy intricate designs, edible glitter, and color palettes

They are also ideal for gifting—place them in clear bags with ribbons for a professional bakery look.

🎀 Conclusion

Melissa Falk’s Decorated Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs blend tradition and tenderness in every buttery bite. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect shape retention make them an irresistible choice for both novice bakers and seasoned cookie artists. Whether you’re decorating a holiday tree with edible ornaments or preparing a beautiful cookie box for friends, these cookies will always steal the show.

If you’d like, I can also create:
✨ A printable recipe card
✨ Nutrition info
✨ Decorating design ideas
✨ A version for gluten-free or dairy-free baking

Just let me know!

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