The first time I spent the holidays with Tim’s kids, I made these sugar cookies. Little did I know, his son in law is a big lover of sugar cookies. But they have to be good ones. And mine passed the test.
There’s nothing like a homemade sugar cookie, especially if you make the frosting as well. And finding the right recipe is the key. Once I found this one, I stopped looking and I’ve been making them ever since.
I get requests
It’s almost become expected that I’ll have these cookies for special occasions. And, occasionally, I’ll get a special request. One night, I received a video through a text message. The video was of our grandson, Brady, and all he said was “Linda, send cookies”. I think his dad might have put him up to it, but the whole family has become fans of them.
We even have a “cookie container” that goes back and forth between our house and theirs. When we get it, it’s empty. When they get it, it’s full of cookies. I try to be careful not to overdo it because I don’t want them to get tired of them. I want my sugar cookies to continue to be special.
I have fun looking for different cookie cutters, too. Depending on the time of year, I try to use cutters appropriate for the occasion or season. As a result, I’ve accumulated quite a variety. And lots of different types of decorations. I have a two-tier lazy susan in my pantry that is full of nothing but cookie decorations!! I have fun trying to make them colorful and special. But I’m not sure anyone cares; they eat them so fast I don’t think they even notice.
Only negative
If there’s a negative about these cookies, it’s that they do tend to puff up a little. I’d like them to keep their shape a little better, but they’re so good, I haven’t let this keep me from making them.
Do you have a favorite sugar cookie recipe? Should I try yours or keep making this one? If you’ve been searching for that special sugar cookie recipe, give this one a try and let me know what you think.
Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 6 c. flour
- 2 t. baking soda
- 1 t. salt
- 1 c. shortening
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 t. vanilla
- 1 c. sour cream
Sugar Cookie Frosting
- 1/2 c. shortening
- 1/2 c. butter
- 3/4 t. vanilla
- 1/4 t. almond extract
- 4 c. powdered sugar
- 2 T. milk
Instructions
Sugar Cookies
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Mix all dry ingredients together in a small bowl.
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Blend wet ingredients until smooth in a large bowl.
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Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
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Cover and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.
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Roll out cookie dough and cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
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Grease your cookie sheet with shortening and place cut cookies on the sheet. (I use air insulated baking sheets for these cookies.)
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Bake at 400 for 7-8 minutes.
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Let cool on the cookie sheet for a short time and then move to paper towels for final cooling.
Sugar Cookie Frosting
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Blend all ingredients together with your mixer.
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Color the frosting in your color of choice. (I've started using gel food coloring. The colors come out more intense.)
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Once the cookies are cooled, frost away!!
Recipe Notes
Both the cookies and the frosting freeze well. I sometimes make a double batch of the dough and freeze half for later. Saves a lot of time the next time I want to make these. You can also freeze the baked cookies for frosting later.
Since I typically make a half batch at a time, but make a full batch of frosting, it's not unusual for me to have some frosting left over. When I need it, I take it out of the freezer, let it thaw a little bit, and then stir it well. Use as it is or add color to it. Spreads and tastes just like fresh!!
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