Aunt Chick’s famous cookie cutters have been a holiday tradition for generations, and no cookie recipe pairs better with them than this one! This classic butter cutout cookie dough is easy to work with and creates beautifully detailed, crisp-edged cookies—perfect for decorating.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp lemon juice (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling and flouring the cookie cutter)

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

Make a well in the butter-sugar mixture. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.

Step 3: Incorporate Flavoring

Mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice (if using).

Step 4: Add Flour

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. The dough should be well combined but not so dry that it crumbles.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Using a pastry cloth and rolling pin cover or parchment paper (if you don’t have either, work with a lightly floured surface and rolling pin), roll dough to ¼ inch thickness. Dip Aunt Chick’s cookie cutters in flour before each use to prevent sticking. Press firmly and lift to reveal the beautifully detailed shapes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Depending on the size of the cookie cutter used this recipe makes between 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Step 7: Decorate

For a simple and beautiful finish, use a 50/50 mixture of corn syrup and water (microwaved on high for 20 seconds and stirred) to paint areas where you’d like sanding sugar to stick.

For more detailed designs, decorate with royal icing:

Royal Icing Recipe

• 3 tbsp meringue powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 6 tbsp warm water

1. In a mixing bowl, beat all ingredients together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and mix for 5–7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
2. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding more water (for thinner icing) or more powdered sugar (for thicker icing).
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Enjoy these timeless cookies with family and friends, just as Aunt Chick intended!