sweet sugar cookie goodness

For as long as I can remember, each December, my mother and I engage in a giant Christmas goody baking extravaganza. And now our girls look forward to baking day with Grammy. We just love her.


Our day normally consists of at least 12 hours of baking and at least half as many pounds of butter.  We haven't had our annual baking day yet this year, but I just couldn't wait to share our sugar cookie recipe.  They are hands down my favorite sugar cookie--ever. 

Please note that this isn't the easiest recipe if you plan on using cookie cutters, the dough is a bit moist.  But we would sacrifice Christmas tree and bell shaped cookies in a heart beat for these. And the girls don't mind...colored frosting and sprinkles still apply!  Part of their goodness is the cookie paired with the Cream Cheese Frosting recipe below.  Trust me.  You'll want to make these for every holiday.  Last year I couldn't wait until Christmas so I made orange and brown "harvest" cookies. 

When you see the recipe don't be alarmed. We don't eat like this the rest of the year and I did sneak sweet potato AND beet puree into our grass fed, organic beef taco meat the other night knowing that Christmas goodies were a comin.'  These are not for the faint of heart or for any of my paleo-eating cavemen friends.

But for the rest of you...Enjoy. (And you'll want to make a double batch. They freeze beautifully and we even love to eat them frozen!)


Sweet Sugar Cookie Goodness

1 cup butter
1 cup canola oil (I often use coconut oil and call them "Hint o' Coconut" Sugar Cookies)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

• Cream the above ingredients until thoroughly mixed and fluffy

Add:
1 teaspoon Cream of Tarter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4.5 cups of flour

• Mix well
• Roll dough into 1 inch (or larger balls)
• Flatten slightly with glass cup
• Bake at 350° for 10 minutes 
• Remove from oven and let set 2 minutes or so 
• Remove from tray and cool completely on a baking rack

 Frost with:


Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup butter
3 oz Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

•  Cream above ingredients for at least 5 minutes
• Separate into bowls and add desired food coloring
• Blend with a fork or firm whisk
• Smather all over the sugar cookies
• And don't forget the sprinkles. They are somehow connected to the hearts of little girls.

Finally, it doesn't matter how terrible you think these cookies look your guests, neighbors and own bellies will. not. care.  I promise.