I am not usually a cookie baker, especially sugar cookies. Not that I don’t like cookies, I DO, but I usually have better luck with other baked goods. When I found this recipe from Annie’s Eats on Pinterest, I really wanted to try my hand at sugar cookies one more time. These turned out really well and were a great addition to my Christmas cookie/candy tray, hence the red and green frosting!
For the cookies:
4½ cups all-purpose flour
4½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
1½ cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
5 tsp. vanilla extract
For the frosting:
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/3 cup (5 1/3 tbsp.) unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
7-8 tbsp. milk (plus more, as needed)
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)
In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt, and whisk together to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat together on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed. Blend in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients mixing just until incorporated and evenly mixed. Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour.
After the chill time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare 2 cookie sheets. Scoop a scant 1/4 cup of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the cookie sheet and press it out gently to form the cookie. Leave about 2 or 3 inches in between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes and then cool on a wire rack.
For the frosting, place the confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter, vanilla, and milk to the bowl and whisk until smooth. Whisk in additional milk as necessary, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired. Use an offset spatula or spoon to frost the cooled cookies.
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And, yes, I have had this recipe to post since Christmas, but others seemed to take a front seat. Oh, well, at least you will have this for NEXT Christmas.
Please join me at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday.
Picture Perfect Cooking 