Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies

54.  Sugar Cookies are among my most favorite cookies.  
Although they do take time, it is worth every minute.  
I have tried several recipes over the years and have found, 
what I think, is the best recipe!   They are great, no matter the season or occasion.
So, for St. Patrick's Day, I made a batch of green dough and cut out shamrock shapes.
Maggie is always my helper and likes to clean the batter off the
mixer...I have to say...we fight over it sometimes.

"Vanilla-Butter Sugar Cookies"

1 ½ cups sugar
1 ½ cups butter, softened
2 eggs
2 Tblsp vanilla
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar

Frosting:
1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
3 Tblsp butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tblsp milk
food coloring, optional
colored sugar sprinkles

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and butter;  beat until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  Stir together dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture until completely blended.  Chill for 30 minutes or make the day ahead.  On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a ¼-inch thickness.  Cut with cookie cutters dipped in flour.  Using a floured spatuala, transfer cookies to ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350º for 10-12 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.  For frosting, combine sugar, butter, vanilla and milk; beat until creamy.  Thin with additional milk to desired spreading consistency if necessary.  Ad a few drops of food coloring if desired.  Spread frosting over cookies and decorate with colored sugar.  
Yield:  7 dozen
I made this recipe but I used equal amounts of almond extract as vanilla.  I also used only almond extract in my frosting recipe.  They turned out so nice and tasted fantastic.
A hot cup of tea and a shamrock cookie...anyone interested?

"Every house where love abides
and friendship is a guest,
is surely home, and home sweet home.
For there, the heart can rest."
 ~ Henry Van Dyke

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