Cutout cookies that do not spread!

We have 7 days! These are fast and good!
What I wanted was a cookie that didn't spread!!! I was making Giant ginger bread men cutouts for the kiddo's to decorate after the turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. I didn't want the baked cookie to spread or be soft. I researched on the internet and found many recipes that looked promising, but.....when I baked them, it was a no go!  Finally, I figured out a tasty, quick method!



Here are some tips for perfect "no spread" cutout cookies--Remember baking is science, follow the recipe! Note the amount of cornstarch and that there is NO baking powder. Make sure the oven is the right temperature. If the oven is not hot enough, the cookies will not set quick enough. Do not use margarine, use good quality butter....the reason is simple. If you look at the ingredients on the package, you will notice the cheaper the butter....the higher percentage of water....this will effect the spreading factor. Roll them out to 1/4", the thicker the cookies are, the slower they set in the oven.....that makes sense! Use parchment paper or silpat, a greasy surface will encourage growth. Lastly...CHILL the dough!

Cutout Cookies 
  1 c. unsalted butter, cut up
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
4 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c cornstarch
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla extract


Pre heat oven to 375 F degrees

Using a electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter until smooth.

Add the eggs one at a time, beat until combined.

Add vanilla.

Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, once the dough gathers into a ball, do not add any more flour. Dryer environments may not need all the flour.

Roll out the dough between plastic wrap to about 1/4 inch.

Chill the dough for 20 minutes. 

At this point you can cut into desired shapes.

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Decorate....If you would like techniques of decorating please go to Christmas Cookies.

I had two of my grandchildren over, Madison and Mackenzie, to help make the dough! I then refrigerated the dough. I baked and had them ready for the girls to decorate after the turkey day dinner. This was their dessert, while the adults watched and had pecan pie and wine!

Here is another fun cookie for Winter! Very easy! You can find the technique on this link. 





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 This is such a fun photo! I was at a Christmas party and received a not so nice White Elephant gift! My niece captured my surprise upon opening! Hahahaha!

Enjoy the holidays!