Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies

 

Wow, I tried these cookies recently & couldn't believe how addictive they are!!  I'd like to re-name them "Happy Kids Cookies" for they make little & big kids very happy.  Four of my 6 grandkids helped me frost & decorate them.  I hope you try them, for there's a little bit of kid in all of us!!

Cookies

4 1/2 c. flour

4 1/2 t. baking powder

3/4 t. salt

2 sticks butter, softened

1/2 c. shortening (I used butter-flavored)

1 1/2 c. sugar

3 eggs

5 t. vanilla

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder & salt & whisk together.  In bowl  of mixer, combine the butter, shortening & sugar & beat until soft & fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each & scraping down the bowl   Blend in the vanilla.  With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients mixing until incorporated & evenly mixed.  Cover & chill for 1 hour.

When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line baking sheets with silpats or parchment paper.  Scoop the dough into about a 2" ball & roll.  I used my ice cream scoop for this part.  Flatten the cookies slightly & space them about 2-3" apart.  Bake 10-12 minutes.   Don' t overbake!  The cookies should remain very light in color.  Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes & then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Frosting

4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 t. vanilla

5-6 T. milk (plus more, if needed)

food coloring

sprinkles

Cream together the powdered sugar & butter with an electric mixer.  Add the vanilla & milk.  The frosting should be fairly thick.  Divide into bowls for coloring & tint.  Spoon the frosting onto the cooled cookies.  (Add a little milk if the frosting thickens.)  Top with sprinkles before the frosting sets.

Store in an airtight container.  These cookies will stay soft & delicious for several days, if they last that long!!!

Yield: about 3 dozen good-sized cookies

This recipe is slightly adapted from Annie's Eats.  I am sharing this recipe with Tea Party Tuesday & Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen's Country Cottage  &    Recipe of the Week.

Here are the happy kids!