Holiday Sugar Cookies with Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients

COOKIES:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 1 1/2 cups sugar, plus more for rolling 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg

FROSTING

3 cups confectioners’ sugar 4 sticks of butter (at room temperature) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream (you can use milk) Red and/or Green liquid food coloring Directions

Directions

COOKIES:

Step 1: Position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Step 2: Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the vanilla and egg and beat to incorporate. Once incorporated, add the flour mixture in 2 batches and beat on medium-low speed until incorporated.

Step 5: Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of the batter. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. (Note: This is only the first batch, there will be leftover dough/batter for a second)

Step 5: Bake until the bottoms and edges are barely golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When the baking sheets are cool, repeat with the remaining batter.

FROSTING:

Step 1: Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the butter and confectioner’s sugar on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to medium for 2-3 more minutes.

Step 2: Add the vanilla, and allow to incorporate before adding 1 tbsp of cream (or milk). Beat for 1 or 2 minutes, add more cream if necessary.

Step 3: Separate into how many ever bowls for different colors, add as much or little coloring to get the color you want. Mix well with just a spoon and spread on the cookie.

If you want sprinkles to add, you can add store bought or make your own. To make your own take about 1/8 of a cup of granulated sugar and add only 1-2 drops of food coloring.

For More go to Chef Ant Dale

bon appetit