Cut out Christmas cookies are the ones that make the whole house smell like December. They give you the snowman, the tree, the star, and the gingerbread man, and they are easier than people think once you have a good chilled dough and a light hand with the flour.
This collection covers the easy classics, from soft sugar cookies and cream cheese cut outs to molasses, Linzer, and spiced German stars, all made with simple ingredients and steps that actually work. If you want cut out cookies that hold their shape and taste great, start here.
These are the cookies I always point people to when they ask for the classic holiday shapes, and they pair perfectly with the rest of my traditional Christmas cookies.
Why Cut Out Christmas Cookies Are Worth It
Cut out Christmas cookies take a little more time than drop cookies, but they are the ones that get the oohs and aahs. They give you those classic holiday shapes, and they are perfect for decorating with kids, setting out for Santa, or gifting in a tin. The trick to good cut outs is in the dough and the chill, get those right and the shapes stay crisp instead of spreading into blobs.
The best doughs for cut out Christmas cookies are sugar cookie and gingerbread, because they are sturdy and hold their shape in the oven. Cream cheese cut outs are a close second, with a softer, richer bite. Whatever dough you pick, chill it before you roll, flour the surface lightly, and cut as many shapes as you can from each roll to avoid re-rolling too often.
Cut Out Cookie Recipes You Will Love
Tips for Better Cut Out Christmas Cookies
- Chill the dough before rolling so the cookies keep their shape.
- Roll between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid adding too much flour.
- Cut the shapes as close together as possible so you re-roll the dough fewer times.
- Dip the cutter in flour between cuts to keep it from sticking.
- Bake until the edges are barely set and the centers still look soft, then let them cool fully before frosting.
Start with the frosted sugar cut outs and the cream cheese cookies for decorating, and add the Linzer and Zimtsterne for something a little more elegant. These cut out Christmas cookies hold their shape, taste wonderful, and turn any holiday tray into something special. Bookmark this list so it is ready when you are.
Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
