There's something truly magical about autumn, isn't there? The crisp air, the vibrant colors of changing leaves, and the comforting aroma of spices filling the kitchen. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of beautiful and delicious Fall Leaf Cut Out Sugar Cookies?
This recipe isn't just about baking; it's about creating edible art that brings joy to your home and gatherings. Imagine soft, buttery cookies shaped like maple, oak, and elm leaves, ready to be decorated with your favorite fall colors. They're perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or simply a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of warm chai latte.
Our recipe for fall leaf cut out sugar cookies ensures a tender crumb and a flavor that's utterly irresistible. We've fine-tuned the balance of ingredients, including an optional touch of nutmeg, to capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are a fun and rewarding project.
Why You'll Love This Fall Cookie Recipe
- Perfectly Tender Texture: These cookies are soft, buttery, and melt in your mouth, never dry or crumbly.
- Holds Shape Beautifully: Ideal for intricate leaf cookie cutters without spreading too much.
- Versatile for Decorating: A blank canvas for royal icing, glazes, or simple sprinkles.
- Seasonal Delight: Embraces the flavors and aesthetics of autumn.
- Family-Friendly Fun: A wonderful activity for all ages, especially when decorating.
Tips for Perfect Fall Leaf Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Chilling is Your Best Friend
Don't skip the chilling steps! Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll and cut but also helps prevent the cookies from spreading in the oven, ensuring your leaf shapes remain distinct and beautiful. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the initial chill, and another 10-15 minutes after cutting if your kitchen is warm.
The Role of Cornstarch
The addition of cornstarch might seem unusual, but it plays a crucial role in creating a tender, almost shortbread-like texture. It helps soften the gluten in the flour, resulting in a more delicate bite. You can adjust the amount slightly based on your preference for softness.
Rolling Technique
For consistent baking and uniform thickness, roll your dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This also makes it much easier to transfer the cut-out shapes to the baking sheet without distortion. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for sturdy, yet tender, cookies.
Decorating Ideas
Once your beautiful leaf cookies are baked and cooled, the real fun begins! You can use royal icing in shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown to create intricate veining and realistic leaf patterns. Alternatively, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla or maple extract is equally charming. A sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking can also add a lovely sparkle!
Gather Your Ingredients
This recipe uses common pantry staples, but quality ingredients make all the difference. Use good quality butter and fresh eggs for the best flavor.
Let's Get Baking!
Follow our detailed steps below to create a batch of fall leaf sugar cookies that will impress everyone. Happy baking!
FAQs
How can I prevent my cut out sugar cookies from spreading?
To prevent sugar cookies from spreading, ensure your butter is softened but still cool, not melted. Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting, and again after cutting, is crucial. Also, using the right ratio of flour and optionally a touch of cornstarch helps maintain their shape.
What's the best way to store fall leaf sugar cookies?
Un-iced sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If iced, ensure the icing is fully set before stacking with parchment paper in between layers. You can also freeze baked, un-iced cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can often substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the amount of liquid or chilling time.
What kind of icing is best for decorating these cookies?
Royal icing is excellent for intricate decorating and creates a hard, smooth finish. For a simpler approach, a classic buttercream or glace icing (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) works wonderfully for dipping or spreading, offering a softer bite.
Fall Leaf Cut Out Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 3-4 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for soft, buttery sugar cookies shaped like autumn leaves, perfect for seasonal celebrations and decorating.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar (can add 1/4-1/2 cup additional sugar for cookies not being topped with icing but it's not necessary)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch (can lower to 1/4 cup for slightly softer cookies)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and sea salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and optional nutmeg.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 8: Use fall leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Repeat with the remaining dough. Once completely cooled, decorate as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the dry ingredients. If you plan to decorate with royal icing, ensure cookies are completely cool to prevent melting. Leftover dough scraps can be gently re-rolled once.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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