German cutout cookies flavored with orange, nutmeg and brandy.
Cutout Cookies
Cutout cookie dough is stiff so that it can be rolled out with a rolling pin, then cut into shapes, usually with cookie cutters. For easier handling, chill the dough and work with small amounts at a time, keeping remaining dough chilled till needed. Unchilled dough absorbs too much flour, resulting in tough, dry cookies. Repeated re-rolling also causes tough cutout cookies, so re-roll your dough only one time. To avoid sticking, roll on a lightly floured board, or use our favorite technique: roll the dough between two sheets of waxed paper. You can also use a knife, a pizza or pastry roller, or traceable cardboard patterns to produce unusual cutout cookie shapes.
Ginger Pine Nut Shortbread
Crystallized ginger and toasted pine nuts spice up this traditional favorite.
Frosted Lebkuchen
Traditional German spice cookie with baked-on icing.
Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars)
Cinnamon stars, a traditional German nut cookie.
Donna’s Sugar Cookies
Soft cutout cookie recipe that makes a great base for icing.
Jødekager (Danish Christmas Cookies)
A Danish cutout cookie topped with cinnamon sugar and an almond.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Soft and flavorful cutout cookie that with dough that is easy to work with.
Cinnamon Jelly Sandwich Cookies
Cinnamon dough, currant jelly filling and browned butter frosting.