Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies

By srumbel

Wow, I tried these cookies recently & couldn't believe how addictive they are!! I'd like to re-name them "Happy Kids Cookies" for they make little & big kids very happy. Four of my 6 grandkids helped me frost & decorate them. I hope you try them, for there's a little bit of kid in all of us!!
from kittyskozykitchen.blogspot.com

Ingredients

• Cookies
• 4 1/2 c. flour
• 4 1/2 t. baking powder
• 3/4 t. salt
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1/2 c. shortening (I used butter-flavored)
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 3 eggs
• 5 t. vanilla
• Frosting
• 4 c. powdered sugar
• 1/4 c. butter, softened
• 2 t. vanilla
• 5-6 T. milk (plus more, if needed)
• food coloring
• sprinkles

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder & salt & whisk together. In bowl of mixer, combine the butter, shortening & sugar & beat until soft & fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each & scraping down the bowl Blend in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients mixing until incorporated & evenly mixed. Cover & chill for 1 hour.

When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with silpats or parchment paper. Scoop the dough into about a 2" ball & roll. I used my ice cream scoop for this part. Flatten the cookies slightly & space them about 2-3" apart. Bake 10-12 minutes. Don' t overbake! The cookies should remain very light in color. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes & then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Frosting
Cream together the powdered sugar & butter with an electric mixer. Add the vanilla & milk. The frosting should be fairly thick. Divide into bowls for coloring & tint. Spoon the frosting onto the cooled cookies. (Add a little milk if the frosting thickens.) Top with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Store in an airtight container. These cookies will stay soft & delicious for several days, if they last that long!!!

Yield: about 3 dozen good-sized cookies