Copycat Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies Recipe

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Among the plethora of cookie recipes that come to life during these festive times, Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many. This cherished recipe transcends mere ingredients on a page; it’s a conduit to joyous laughter, shared family moments, and the sweet, sugary smells that warm the entire house.

How to make Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies

Betty Crocker’s Cut-Out Cookies is a popular packaged cookie mix designed to help people make decorated, shaped cookies at home. The mix typically includes a dry blend of flour, sugar, and leavening agents. It is intended to be combined with butter or margarine and eggs, after which the dough can be rolled out and cut into various shapes using cookie cutters. The cookies are often decorated with icing or sprinkles, making them a fun and customizable treat, especially during holidays like Christmas.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (optional for added flavor)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This process aerates the butter, which is key for tender cookies.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
4. Gradually Mix Dry into Wet: Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for easy rolling and cutting.

Rolling and Cutting:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Keep the other disk chilled until you’re ready to roll it out.
3. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Add food coloring if desired.
2. Decorate: Once the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the glaze. For more detailed designs, apply the glaze with a spoon, a small knife, or a piping bag.

Tips for Perfect Cut Out Cookies:

• Dough Thickness: Keep the dough thickness uniform for even baking.
• Keep Dough Chilled: Work with one portion of dough at a time, keeping the rest chilled. Warm dough is harder to work with and can spread too much during baking.
• Minimal Dusting Flour: Use just enough flour on your rolling surface to prevent sticking—too much can make the dough tough.
• Bake Evenly: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots.

What to serve with

Serving Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies is an opportunity to create a delightful and engaging dessert experience, whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy family tea time.

1. Beverages

• Milk: Cookies and milk are a classic pairing. Whether it’s cold milk for the kids or warmed, spiced milk for adults, this pairing is timeless.
• Tea: Offer a selection of teas such as Earl Grey, Chamomile, or Mint to complement the sweet flavors of the cookies.
• Coffee: A robust coffee or a delicate latte can provide a delightful contrast to the sweet and buttery flavors of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, serve the cookies with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.

2. Ice Cream: Create a mini ice cream sandwich bar. Allow guests to choose their favorite ice cream flavors to sandwich between two cookies. Vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice creams are popular choices that pair well with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.

3. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter can add a refreshing element to your dessert table. Serve slices of fresh apples, pears, strawberries, and oranges. The fruit not only adds a healthy option but also introduces a tart contrast that brightens the palate between bites of cookie.

4. Cheese Board: For a more sophisticated pairing, serve the cookies alongside a cheese board featuring a selection of soft and hard cheeses. Brie, cheddar, and goat cheese can offer a delightful savory contrast to the sweet cookies. Add some nuts and dried fruits to complete the board.

5. Dipping Sauces and Spreads: Offer small bowls of various dipping sauces and spreads. Chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis, and caramel sauce are excellent for dipping or drizzling over the cookies for an extra indulgent treat. Nutella or peanut butter spreads can also be fun and tasty options for guests to experiment with.

6. Wine: For an adult gathering, consider serving the cookies with dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, or Riesling. The sweetness and complexity of these wines can complement the simplicity of the cookies, creating an elegant dessert course.

7. Yogurt and Whipped Cream: Offer Greek yogurt or whipped cream alongside the cookies for a lighter option. Guests can dip the cookies or top them with a dollop of yogurt or cream. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fresh berries can make this option even more delightful.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies allows for creativity not only in their decoration but also in their preparation. Whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply running short on an ingredient, substitutions can save the day and even add a new twist to the classic cookie.

Flour

• Gluten-Free Flour: For those avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking is the best substitute. These blends often incorporate xanthan gum, which mimics gluten’s binding properties.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These can be used as a lower-carb option, but they don’t substitute cup for cup. For almond flour, you might start with a 1:1 ratio but expect to adjust as it’s more moist and not as dense. Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so you’ll need less of it—about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour—and potentially more liquid.

Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: This can be used 1:1 for regular sugar and provides a slightly caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These liquid sweeteners can add depth to the flavor. When using honey or maple syrup, substitute 2/3 to 3/4 cup of the liquid sweetener for every cup of sugar for every cup of sugar. You may need to slightly reduce other liquid ingredients to balance the dough’s consistency.

Butter

• Margarine or Vegetable Shortening: These can be used 1:1 for butter. They’re great for those avoiding dairy but may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
• Coconut Oil: To avoid a coconut flavor, use refined coconut oil, substituting it 1:1 for butter. This can also make your cookies dairy-free.

Eggs

• Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: To replace one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. This is ideal for vegans or those with egg allergies.
• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. This also adds moisture, making it a good substitute for cookies.

Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can be a good substitute. Use half as much since its flavor is stronger.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Although they won’t give the same flavor, they can add a pleasant sweetness and depth if you’re out of vanilla. Use equal amounts.

Milk (If Used for Glaze or Icing)

• Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk: These can be used 1:1 for regular milk and are great lactose-free alternatives for preparing glaze or icing.
• Coconut Milk: Used in a 1:1 ratio, coconut milk can add a slight coconut flavor but is an excellent substitute for milk in icings or glazes.

Final Thoughts

Betty Crocker’s Cut Out Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. 

More Betty Crocker Recipes:

• Copycat Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe