Utensil: Cookie Cutter

Shaping dough with a cookie cutter instantly turns everyday baking into a festive tradition. Whether rolling out classic sweet pastry for holiday celebrations or transforming savory doughs into party-ready appetizers, cutout bakes bring a playful elegance to the table that appeals to bakers of all skill levels.

The selection below spans a full spectrum of textures and flavors, ranging from crisp shortbread that holds fine detail to soft gingerbread cutouts and golden cheese bites. You will also encounter sweet variations featuring spiced doughs paired with citrus glazes, intricate royal icing, and tender sandwich cookies filled with rich chocolate ganache.

A thoroughly chilled dough is always the key to maintaining sharp outlines during baking, ensuring every piece bakes evenly and holds its shape. Scroll through the options ahead to find inspiration for your next weekend baking project or holiday dessert platter.

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream

Indulge in these exquisite Lemon Cookies with Lemon Cream! This recipe guides you through creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies filled with a zesty, creamy lemon filling. The bright citrus flavor perfectly balances the buttery cookie, making for an irresistible treat. Perfect for an afternoon tea, a special occasion, or whenever you crave a burst of sunshine. These delightful cookies are so delicious, they’ll disappear in a flash!

Lenten Cookies with Pickle Brine

Lenten Cookies with Pickle Brine

Discover these incredibly delicious Lenten cookies made with sesame seeds and a secret ingredient: pickle brine! I’m not sure who first thought of this clever use for leftover cucumber brine, but I take my hat off to them—the result is fantastic! The sweet dough, made with spiced pickle brine, olive oil, and flour, is as simple as it gets. With just a little baking powder to keep them from being too hard, these cookies offer a unique and delightful flavor you have to try.