Buttery Cut-Out Christmas Cookies

These are delicious. The cream cheese in the cookie dough really adds a softness, and makes the cookies taste really flaky and rich. They're a great addition to one's Christmas cookie recipes.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 7 mins
• Yields: 42 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 3  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  large egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 3  cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Combine the first five ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
2. Beat at about medium speed until well combined and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Gradually add flour, and beat until well mixed, about 2-3 minutes more.
4. Divide dough in half, and wrap each on in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate until firm, at least two hours.
6. Preheat oven to 375°.
7. Roll out dough half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4" thick.
8. Keep the other half in the fridge until ready to use.
9. Cut out the shapes your prefer, using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter.
10. Place 1" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
11. (I lined my sheets with nonstick "release" foil).
12. If I'm making Christmas cookie shapes, I sprinkle the cookies with red, green, or multi-colored sugars before baking.
13. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until edges are just slightly browned.
14. Note: I find 8 minutes is the magic number for my oven. These cookies may also be baked plain, and decorated with icings after they are cooled.