Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies (With Icing, Of Course)


we are definitely in the home stretch
to Christmas

my kids
and their parents
have stars in their eyes
and ants in their pants
as they countdown these final days before the big day

a few days ago
as part of our Christmastime tradition
we baked up some festive goodies

Chad asked that we make sugar cookies this year
since he has fond memories of baking with his mum once upon a time

so i flipped through one of my favorite cookbooks
to find the winning recipe

these cookies come out soft and just sweet enough
with the perfect cake-like consistency

and the icing is 
well

everything that icing should be

although most of my helpers wandered off
after the cutting and baking finished

these two stuck with me to the somewhat sticky end

you'll need a little prep time
to let the cookie dough chill completely
before rolling out

and a few fun cooking cutters

we made round
snowmen
stars
diamonds
and headless angels
perfect for giving away

the cookies will stay soft and fresh for several days
in a tightly sealed container

what holiday baking traditions
does your family have?

Merry Christmas,

{alison}

To Make:
Perfectly Soft Sugar Cookies

Yields 3
The perfect sugar cookie for rolling into shapes.
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Prep Time
2 hr 
Cook Time
9 min 
Total Time
3 hr 
Ingredients
  1. 1 c. butter
  2. 1 c. sugar
  3. 3 c. flour
  4. 1/2 tsp. salt
  5. 1/2 tsp. soda
  6. 2 eggs
  7. 1 c. sour cream
  8. 1 tsp. vanilla
  9. 1 tsp. lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and lemon juice, mixing to combine. Blend in sifted dry ingredients. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in fridge for 2 hours or overnight. Roll out prepared dough to about 1/4 thick. Cut into shapes and bake at 350 for 9 minutes, or just until starting to brown at edges. Do not over bake. Cool on rack before icing.
Adapted from Mary Jane's Cookbook
Confectioner's Icing
A perfectly sweet and smooth icing for sugar cookies.
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Prep Time
5 min 
Total Time
5 min 
Ingredients
  1. 4 T. butter
  2. 1/4 c. milk
  3. 1 tsp. vanilla
  4. 3 tsp. lemon juice
  5. 2 cups confectioner's sugar
Instructions
  1. In medium saucepan, melt butter in milk. Remove from heat and add vanilla and lemon juice. Gradually add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. If too thick, add a small amount of milk. If too thin, add a few tablespoons of sugar until icing can be spread on cookies. Icing can be divided and colored with food coloring.
Notes
  1. If using colored sugars or other toppings, sprinkle on immediately, before icing hardens.
Adapted from Mary Jane's Cookbook