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Fluffy sugar cookies with smooth vanilla frosting stacked on a serving plate

Fluffy Sugar Cookies with Smooth Vanilla Frosting

Fluffy sugar cookies with smooth vanilla frosting are soft, tender treats with a creamy sweet topping. They are a classic dessert choice for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want a homemade frosted cookie.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 29 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups flour, plus extra for rolling
Vanilla Frosting
  • 1/4 cup softened butter (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup Crisco (or substitute butter)
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or substitute milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is combined and lightened.
  2. Mix in the eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla until evenly incorporated.
  3. Add the baking soda, baking powder, and flour, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
  4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.
Baking
  1. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to a 1/4 inch thickness.
  2. Cut the dough into 2 1/2 inch circles and arrange the cookies for baking.
  3. Bake the cookies at 425°F / 220°C for 3 to 4 minutes, until the edges are just set.
  4. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat the softened butter, Crisco, powdered sugar, hot water, heavy cream, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and spreadable.
Assembly
  1. Spread the vanilla frosting over the cooled cookies and allow the frosting to set lightly for a few hours.

Notes

Chilling the dough before rolling and cooling the cookies completely before frosting helps preserve their soft texture and smooth icing.