Go Back

Nice 'n' Soft Sugar Cookies - Recipe from the December 2007 issue of Taste of Home magazine

These cookies are perfect for cutouts. The dough is incredibly easy to work with! Santa would love this with a big old glass of milk!
Course cookies, Dessert
Keyword cookies, sugar cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 3 dozen

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-1/2 cups self-rising flour
  • FROSTING:
  • 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 teaspoons meringue powder
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • Green red and yellow food coloring

Instructions

DIRECTIONS

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour. 
  • Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 3/16-in. thickness.
  •  Cut with floured cookie cutters. 
  • Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 5-7 minutes or until set.
  • Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  •  Repeat with remaining dough.
  • For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, water and meringue powder on low speed just until combined.
  • Beat on high for 4 minutes or until soft peaks form.
  • Add corn syrup; beat 1 minute longer.
  • Tint with food coloring of your choice. 
  • Cover frosting with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses.
  • Spread and/or pipe frosting on cookies. Let stand until set. 

Notes

Editor’s Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup. As a substitute for each 1/2 cup of self-rising flour, place 3/4 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 1/2-cup measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1/2 cup. Meringue powder is available from Wilton Industries, Inc. Call 1-800/794-5866 or visit www.tasteofhome.com for a Web site link.
 
Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.