soft frosted sugar cookies

See I really do love the 4th of July.  I had high hopes of making several different patriotic treats for the weekend.   My kitchen did not produce several treats.  It is hard to stay in the kitchen baking when there are pitchers of watermelon margaritas to drink, beach cruisers to ride, waves to splash in, sun to bathe in, kids to giggle with, burgers to barbecue and friends to laugh with.  I did not want to miss out on a minute of the fun this weekend.  I did make these sugar cookies and boy were they good.  A perfect combination of soft, chewy, sweetness covered in a layer of creamy colorful frosting.  They were fun and festive.  Perfect to package up and bring to a barbecue, the beach or snuggled up on the couch with your kids.  Hoping everyone had a fun, safe, and sunshine filled weekend.  Happy 4th!

soft frosted sugar cookies

adapted: all-recipes

    * 2/3 cup shortening
    * 2/3 cup butter
    * 1 1/4 cups white sugar
    * 2 large eggs
    * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    * 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    * 2 teaspoons baking powder
    * 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
 
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside. 

Cream together the butter, shortening and sugar for ~ 4minutes.

Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until dough comes together. 

Scoop dough.   Place them on an unprepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes.  Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

frosting

1/2 cup shortening
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
optional: sprinkles and food coloring

Sift the powdered sugar.
In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the shortening and powdered sugar. Add in milk. Mix.  Add in the vanilla extract. Mix on medium high speed until smooth.

Frost the cookies with frosting and top with sprinkles.