Crispy on the edges and impossibly tender in the center, these gluten-free cut-out cookies rely on a rich cream cheese dough for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of butter and shortening ensures they hold their shape perfectly in the oven, so you won't lose those sharp edges when baking. They're a fantastic blank canvas for your favorite creamy vanilla frosting and whatever sprinkles you have in the pantry. You'll love how easily the dough rolls out, making this a stress-free project for weekend baking.
1 container vanilla creamy ready-to-spread frosting, if desired
Instructions
1Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with shortening.
2Combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, butter, shortening, vanilla, and egg yolk in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth, then blend in the gluten-free baking mix until a cohesive dough forms. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened first so the dough mixes evenly without lumps.
3Divide the prepared dough into two equal portions. Dust a clean work surface with extra powdered sugar and roll out the first half of the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
4Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to stamp out shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheet using a metal spatula, spacing them 1 inch apart.
5Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining half of the dough.
6Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They need this brief resting time to firm up so they don't break when moved. Cool completely, then finish by spreading frosting over the tops.
Notes
Frosting: Ensure the cookies are completely cool to the touch before applying the vanilla frosting so it doesn't melt and slide off.
Freezing: Wrap any unfrosted baked cookies tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. They're great to keep on hand for future decorating.
Rolling tip: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before rolling.