Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe

 

There’s something magical about the holidays, and for me, it always starts with the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house. 

I’ll never forget coming home from school on December afternoons to find rows of my Mom's soft sugar cookie recipe lined up along the kitchen countertop. My mom had spent hours baking while we were away, and though they weren't frosted yet, the cookies were hard to resist.

My siblings and I would sneak a warm one from the countertop, savoring the simple sweet flavor.

Those moments are so nostalgic that I love to recreate them with my own kids. Every year, they eagerly await cookie decorating night—a family tradition that fills our kitchen with sprinkles, laughter, and, of course, the most delightful cream cheese frosting. 

It’s the perfect way to carry on the sweet memories while making new ones together. And today, I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for the softest sugar cookies and the dreamiest cream cheese frosting to bring a little of that magic into your home. 

How to Make Sugar Cookie Dough

Ingredients Needed

• 6 c. flour
• 1 c. shortening
• 2 c. granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 c. sour cream
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 400° F.

Mix flour, 2 tsp baking powder and salt in a bowl. Stir and set to the side. In a separate bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, baking soda and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture until a soft dough is formed.

Note, if you aren't using your dough right away, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.  This dough freezes nicely.

Roll out dough to 1/4" thick on a floured surface. Cut shapes into the dough using cookie cutters. Place shapes on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

VIDEO: Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe

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How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients needed

• 1 c. butter
• 3oz. cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 lb. powdered sugar
• Food coloring or flavoring as desired

Cream together butter, cream cheese, milk and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar to the creamed mixture until a moderately stiff frosting is formed.

To get the most use out of your frosting, separate frosting into separate bowls and add coloring or flavoring before applying to cookies. This way your frosting goes farther and you don't have to make multiple batches.

Once you are finished, you can like to beaters clean.  They make for a nice treat.  

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