Cutout cookies

Here are the quintessential holiday cutout cookies, from gingerbread people to crisp, golden butter cookies, baked in any shape you choose. You’ll also find sandwich cookies, cookies with nuts and other flavorings, and cutouts with special decorations ― all as much fun to make as they are to eat.

Helpful hints:

• Flour both the work surface and the rolling pin lightly but thoroughly. As you roll out dough, occasionally turn or shift it slightly to be sure it’s not sticking.

• If the dough becomes sticky as you work, chill it until firm but still pliable.

• For cookies with well-defined edges, use lightly floured, sharp metal cookie cutters.

• Place sheets of waxed paper between layers of decorated cookies to store.

• Host a cookie decorating party: Bake a variety of cutout cookies and offer guests bowls of different colored icing, an assortment of candy sprinkles, and plastic bags for piping icing.

Favorite Cutout Cookies

Painted Cookies

Stained-Glass Cookies

Twin Stars

Bizcochitos

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Alfajores de Dulce de Leche (Caramel Sandwich Cookies)

Vanilla Buttercream Sandwich Cookies

Dutch Spice Cookies

White Chocolate Spice Cookies

Cashew Stars

Gingerbread People

Brown Sugar Christmas Thins