Decorated Sugar Cookies
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
42 mins
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Course
Baked Goods
Decorated Sugar Cookies
Description
The cookie dough combines softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar creamed together until fluffy, then eggs and vanilla are incorporated. Flour and a pinch of salt are mixed in until just combined to avoid toughness. The dough is rolled out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness, cut into shapes, and baked until the edges start to turn light golden, yielding tender cookies.
The frosting is made by creaming unsalted butter until light and fluffy, then gradually adding sifted confectioners' sugar while continuing to beat. Vanilla and a small amount of milk or heavy cream are added to reach the desired consistency. This buttercream frosting is smooth and holds well for decorating sugar cookies.
Decorated Sugar Cookies are ideal for holidays and celebrations, where they can be colored and adorned with piped designs or sprinkles. The recipe provides a sturdy yet tender base for creative toppings without overwhelming sweetness.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter Challenge brand, 2 sticks, softened
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 ½ cups flour
- Pinch salt
For the frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter Challenge brand, 3 sticks, room temperature
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
Make the cookies:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.
- Slowly add the flour and salt, stirring just until combined. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and use your hands to form into a disk. Roll the dough to 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick and cut with lightly floured cookie cutters. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or just until the edges barely start to turn golden. Remove from the baking sheets to a rack to cool before frosting.
Make the frosting:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in confectioners’ sugar, and continue beating until well blended.
- Add in vanilla and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Mix on low speed until moistened.
- Add up to an additional tablespoon of heavy cream or milk until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy; about 5 more minutes.
- If desired, use gel dye to color the frosting before spreading or piping frosting onto cooled cookies
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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