Holiday Cut-out Cookies are Tasty and Educational

Christmas cookies can be traced to Medieval European recipes, and by the 1500s, were very popular in Europe. The German and Dutch settlers in America introduced cookie cutters, along with some of the first recipes. Sugar cookies, the forerunner to the cut-out, came to America from the English.

But, what are the favorite cookies in Emmaus Patch?

The Rev. Jerry Smith of   “enjoys a good cut-out cookie at Christmas.” But, he said, he prefers the designs to have a religious significance, such as crosses, churches, stars, etc. 

“I use these cookies in my teachings to the children at Christmas. It makes it easier for them to understand and sometimes they get to eat the cookies later,” he added.

Recipes:

White Cut-Out Cookies

In memory of Vera Lagler from “Sharing Our Best”

4-1/2 c. flour                        ½ tsp. cream of tartar

2 c. sugar                             4 eggs

1 c. butter or margarine         pinch of salt

1 tsp. baking soda

Cream sugar, butter and eggs. Add sifted dry ingredients gradually and mix to a smooth dough. Chill for a few hours or overnight. Roll out on a floured board and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until a delicate brown.

Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

In memory of Vera Lagler from “Sharing Our Best”

1 lb. brown sugar                                                      3 T. sour cream

¾ c. butter                                                               1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs                                                                      3 ½ to 4 c. flour

1 c. grated chocolate (about 3 squares)-do not melt 

1 tsp. baking soda dissolved in a little vinegar

Cream sugar, butter and eggs. Add grated chocolate, baking soda, and sour cream. Gradually add flour to stiffen for a smooth dough. Chill several hours or overnight. Roll out on a floured board and cut with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cookies can be made into rolls and chilled or frozen, and then cut into thin slices and baked.