Frosted Sugar Cookies

By Kathy C.

Recipe originally found in Oregonian Food Day. Makes good Christmas cut-out cookies.

Ingredients

• Frosting:
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cup sugar (original recipe has 2 cups)
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla (or increase to 3 tsp, or to taste)
• 3 eggs
• 3 2/3 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup butter or shortening
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 pound powdered sugar (about 6 cups)

Preparation

Step 1

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in baking soda, salt and vanilla. Add eggs and beat until smooth.

In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder and add to creamed mixture, mixing until smooth.

Chill dough until firm enough to roll out on floured pastry cloth, 1-3 hours; or wrap tightly in plastic wrap & freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll out dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake 8 minutes, or until cookies are golden. Cool and frost.

To make frosting:
Blend butter and vanilla. Add water and sugar alternating, a little at a time. Add food coloring if desired.