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Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

These are the thick, pillowy sugar cookies with that sweet vanilla buttercream frosting — the kind that kids request for every birthday and holiday. They hold their shape when cut, they stay soft for days, and the frosting is thick enough to actually taste. Make a double batch because they vanish fa
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups powdered sugar for frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (for frosting)
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting

Method
 

  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
  3. Mix in flour mixture until dough forms, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into shapes.
  5. Bake on parchment-lined sheets for 8-10 minutes — do not let them brown.
  6. Beat frosting ingredients together until light and fluffy, then spread on cooled cookies.
  7. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.