Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Sugar cookies have always been a huge hit in my kitchen. I think the tradition started with my grandmother. She always had those thick, melt-in-your mouth cookies waiting when we visited. The ones she made were simply rolled in sugar, dropped on the baking sheet and into the oven they went.

I have always liked those, but my kids preferred the cut-out type. Oh sure they started out helping me. Each one had their favorite cookie cutter. I would roll out the dough, and they would dip their cutter in the flour and press it into the mix.  I would have to help them cafefully transfer the creation onto the baking sheet. But after the first or second cookie sheet was filled, they began asking, when is it time to decorate?  Of course we all know the decorating is much more fun!

After receiving quite a few compliments on my sugar cookies, I decided to enter them in the local county fair.

Talk about a tough business there!  I had to compete with dozens of other women, who I am sure, thought they had the best sugar cookie. The highest honor I have won yet is 2nd place. But I am going to hang in there until I take home the blue ribbon!                                    

SOUR CREAM CUT-OUT COOKIES

1 1/2 c. sugar                                                           1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. oleo ( I use butter flavored Crisco)                     1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs                                                                      1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream                                                         4 c. flour
1 tsp. vanilla

Cream sugar and oleo. Add 2 eggs and mix well. Add sour cream and vanilla. Mix until sour cream is incorparated.  Mix dry ingrediants together, then slowly add to rest of mixture. Dough will be stiff.  Let rest in the fridge for at least an hour.  Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on floured board. Cut out with desired cookie cutters.
Bake at 375 F. for 7-9 minutes.  Let cookies cool and then frost.

                                                        BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

3 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. margarine or butter softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
 And about 2 tbsp. milk
Mix powdered sugar and margarine. Stir in vanilla and milk. Beat until frosting is smooth and of spreading consistency.  May have to add more milk or powdered sugar.
Divide into bowls, add food coloring to make desired colors.