SUGAR COOK RECIPES

Steps:

• COOKIE DOUGH DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl combine sour cream, sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla; mix well. In a smaller bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, then add to wet mixture and mix until everything is just incorporated. With a cookie scoop, scoop out even size scoops of dough and then roll in a ball in your hand and place on a cookie sheet and slightly flatten with your hand so it's in a circular shape. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until light golden brown, no more than 10 minutes. They may seem under done but they aren't. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
• BUTTERCREAM FROSTING DIRECTIONS: Directions: Cream together butter and shortening in mixer, with paddle attachment on medium for about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat until smooth, Add another 1/2 cup and beat until smooth. Add Vanilla, mix. Add gradually the remaining sugar and milk, making sure you end with sugar. Continue to mix on medium until smooth.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and extracts. Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until easy to handle., On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. , Place 1-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° until edges begin to brown, 8-10 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For icing, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water and meringue powder; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high until soft peaks form, 4 minutes. Cover icing with damp paper towels or plastic wrap between uses., Working quickly, spread or pipe icing over cookies; let dry at room temperature for several hours or until firm. Use small new paintbrushes or toothpicks and food coloring to make designs on the cookies. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.