Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sugar Cookies
Description:
This delightful recipe, a cherished gift from my husband’s cousin Tracie in North Dakota, has become a favorite in our family. Tracie shared it for a family cookbook I’m assembling, and I can honestly say these cookies are truly awesome. Each bite of these sugar cookies is soft and tender, leaving a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, especially for large groups or holiday celebrations, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. 😋🎉
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Kid Friendly, Christmas, For Large Groups, Less than 4 Hours
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 large egg, and 3 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This chilling step is crucial as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
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Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color. The centers should remain pale, so be cautious not to overbake. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened margarine and 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie using a knife or a piping bag. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, colored sugar, or other fun toppings.
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Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and save some for later!
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 378.3
- Fat: 15.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Cholesterol: 54.9 mg
- Sodium: 245.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 56.2 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Sugar: 35.4 g
- Protein: 4.2 g
These sugar cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, with their sweet, buttery flavor and delightful texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family get-together, or just because, these cookies are a wonderful treat that everyone will love! 🎄🍪✨
