Easy German Cut-Out Cookies (Butterplätzchen) – A Step-by-Step Guide
German Butterplätzchen, or German butter cookies, are a classic Christmas treat. These delicate, buttery cookies are known for their delightful taste and the fun of cutting them into various shapes. While traditionally made during the holiday season, these cookies are delicious any time of year. This recipe provides an easy-to-follow guide to making perfect German cut-out cookies at home. Get ready to create beautiful and delicious treats that will impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Fun for the Whole Family:** Rolling out the dough and cutting out shapes is a great activity to do with kids.
* **Delicious Flavor:** These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor that is simply irresistible.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** Butterplätzchen make a thoughtful and homemade gift.
* **Versatile:** You can decorate them in countless ways, from simple sprinkles to elaborate icing designs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g), plus more for dusting
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1 cup (226g), softened
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup (200g)
* **Eggs:** 2 large
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon
**For Decoration (Optional):**
* **Powdered Sugar:** For dusting
* **Icing:** Royal icing or simple glaze (recipe below)
* **Sprinkles:** Various colors and shapes
* **Nuts:** Chopped nuts for decoration
* **Jam:** Apricot or raspberry jam for filling (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowls:** Large and medium
* **Electric Mixer:** Stand mixer or hand mixer
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Rolling Pin**
* **Cookie Cutters:** Various shapes (stars, hearts, trees, etc.)
* **Baking Sheets**
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats**
* **Wire Rack**
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect German cut-out cookies:
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The creaming process is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which will result in light and tender cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture before adding the vanilla. This helps to create a smooth and emulsified base for the cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the cookies to rise properly and have a balanced flavor.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
Step 5: Form Dough into Discs and Chill
Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper and silicone baking mats prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier. They also help to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Keep the other disc of dough refrigerated while you work. Rolling out the dough to an even thickness is important for ensuring that the cookies bake evenly. If the dough is too thick in some areas and too thin in others, the cookies will bake unevenly.
Step 8: Cut Out Shapes
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Re-roll any scraps of dough and cut out more shapes until all the dough is used.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. Do not overbake them, as they will become dry and brittle. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center.
Step 10: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cool, you can decorate them with powdered sugar, icing, sprinkles, nuts, or jam. Get creative and have fun with your decorations!
Decoration Ideas
Here are some ideas for decorating your German cut-out cookies:
* **Powdered Sugar:** Simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant look.
* **Royal Icing:** Use royal icing to create intricate designs on the cookies. You can use different colors of icing and piping tips to create various effects.
* **Simple Glaze:** Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice. Dip the cookies in the glaze and then decorate with sprinkles.
* **Sprinkles:** Add sprinkles of various colors and shapes for a festive and colorful look.
* **Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts on the cookies for added flavor and texture.
* **Jam:** Spread a thin layer of apricot or raspberry jam on the cookies and then top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Tips for Perfect Butterplätzchen
* **Use Softened Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will help to create a light and fluffy mixture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
* **Roll Out the Dough Evenly:** Rolling out the dough to an even thickness is important for ensuring that the cookies bake evenly. If the dough is too thick in some areas and too thin in others, the cookies will bake unevenly.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaking the cookies will make them dry and brittle. Bake them until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is still soft.
* **Cool the Cookies Completely Before Decorating:** Decorating the cookies before they are completely cool can cause the icing to melt or the sprinkles to slide off.
Icing Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for a basic cookie icing:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 3-4 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
* Food coloring (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.
2. Add more liquid, one teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
3. If you want to color the icing, divide it into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Stir well to combine.
4. Use a piping bag or a spoon to decorate the cookies with the icing. Allow the icing to set completely before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store the undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent the decorations from smudging. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
Variations
* **Lemon Butterplätzchen:** Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Butterplätzchen:** Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spice Butterplätzchen:** Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a warm, festive flavor.
* **Nut Butterplätzchen:** Add ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for a nutty flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
* Serve the cookies with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Include them in a cookie platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
* Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
* Enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
* Calories: 80-100
* Fat: 4-6g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 10-20mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-12g
* Sugar: 6-8g
* Protein: 1g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make German cut-out cookies. They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them! Happy baking!