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There is some sort of magic that happens when soft, buttery dough is rolled out on a kitchen counter. When floured cookies cutters release pretty little shapes that are placed on baking sheets. When those sweet shapes bake to the very palest of brown and cool on wire racks. And there is something amazing that takes place when those magical cookies are topped with a classic, vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth. Let’s be kitchen magicians today and make the BEST old fashioned sugar cookies with easy vanilla frosting, shall we?!

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Since I used mini cookie cutters, these old fashioned sugar cookies are two bites of soft buttery heaven. And somehow, they are even better the second day. Isn’t that always the case? So, if you are ready to make magic AND have the will power to wait until day two, here is your new favorite recipe!

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies & Easy Vanilla Frosting Recipe

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Yield: 55 -58 1 1/2 inch cookies 1x

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Ingredients

Scale

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 cup softened butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups sifted flour

Easy Vanilla Frosting

2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons milk (I used 2%)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Extras

1 1/2 inch mini cookie cutters
Seasonal sugars (sprinkles, jimmies, etc.)
Gel food coloring

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Instructions

For the cookie dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a large bowl and hand mixer), cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg.
Add vanilla, salt and sifted flour.
Form dough into a ball and chill 3-4 hours in the refrigerator before rolling.

To cut out the cookies

Flour surface and rolling pin.
Divide the dough into halves and turn one half of the dough onto your floured surface.
Place remaining half of dough back in refrigerator.
Roll dough out until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
Flour cookie cutters and cut out cookies.
Repeat with remaining half of dough.
Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheets (I use baking stones) and bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes or until just barely colored.
Allow cookies to cool on wire racks.

For the Frosting

Stir melted butter, milk, vanilla, lemon juice and powdered sugar together until smooth.
If desired, divide frosting into small bowls and add gel food coloring until desired colors are reached.
Frost cookies and add sprinkles, sugars or jimmies.

Notes

Recipe for Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies & Easy Vanilla Frosting found at shakentogetherlife.com

Seriously, this frosting sets up so pretty but doesn’t get crunchy or grainy. I think it is the melted butter that makes it just oh-so-smooth and delicious. And the smidge of lemon juice takes the super sugary edge off. I told you, magic.

I put these to the test this past weekend. My cousin Libbe, her husband Josh and their trio of spunky kiddos came to visit from Ohio. So our house was full of sweet cheeked toddlers, a rough and tumble three year old, tons of noise, pizza, laughter, playing in puddles and a plate full of crumbs. Because these babies didn’t make it fifteen minutes after dinner.

These old fashioned sugar cookies are quintessential holiday cookies! They are perfect for gift giving, absolutely delightful for get-togethers, wonderful for cookie decorating parties or just with a mug of hot chocolate and a good movie!

More holiday cookies you may enjoy …

Quick Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Vanilla Nutmeg Cake Mix Cookies with Eggnog Glaze

Chocolate Peppermint Krispie Treats

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14 Comments

Love these! I want to make sugar cookies with my boys this year, pinning this!

These bring back great memories! I am going to try these for sure. Pinned 🙂

Thanks for this, I will totally be trying it. My current recipe is pretty good but there is that funny after taste. That sounds strange I know! It’s a chemically taste… I am eager to try a new recipe!

Frosted sugar cookies are a must this time of year! Love these!

Those look so good! My kids would love ’em! Hey, I just launched a giveaway on my blog today, come check it out, if you have some time. 🙂 http://eatitandsayyum.com/anthropologie-poppy-pie-pan-giveaway/

Oh, yum. These look like heaven! They will be the perfect addition to my holiday baking, and I know that my little boys will love them…SO kid-friendly!

My mouth is seriously watering right now. Definitely pinning to enjoy later!

Love those little shapes! Too cute! I’m not sure there is much in life that is better than a good sugar cookie. Yummy!!!

Stopping by from artsy-fartsy mama corner Thursday. I printed your recipe and can’t wait to try it. THANKS!

Ooh that frosting looks good! Pinning, and thanks so much for sharing at my link party!

These are so pretty! I love the soft colors you used. Thank you for sharing them with us at Saturday Night Fever!

Thanks for the delicious recipes

I love sugar cookies! This sounds like an awesome recipe! I love when they are soft and FROSTED! YUM!

I love sugar cookies too! This recipe sounds like one I have to try also! Thanks for posting it! I printed it, but I will also pin it just in case I lose it! Ha! I have several difference cookie cutters so it will be fun to see all the different ones this year !