No Chill Sour Cream Cutout Sugar Cookies

Everyone’s favorite christmas cookie can sound like such a fun idea to make, but once you are into the process it doesn’t take long to want to give up. Mixing up the dough isn’t bad, it’s the waiting for it to chill that drags it out so long. THis recipe is going to help decrease the time big time! Make sure to read through the instructions and tips at the end of the recipe. With just a few very minor changes you can get the cookie you prefer. From a tall soft pillowy cookie to a more dense, almost undercooked, cookie.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
5 1/2 cups flour
In a stand mixer cream sugar and butter together. At least 2 minutes at on medium speed. Add eggs and mix until combined. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix until all combined. Should be stiff dough, but should not be really sticky. If it is very sticky add a couple tablespoons of flour. Pour dough out onto a floured surface. Press down dough and sprinkle top with more flour to prevent sticking. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
I start checking my cookies at 6 minutes, and usually take them out at 7 minutes. I prefer a slightly chewy cookie, with center almost looking slightly undone. If you like a soft fluffier sugar cookie bake for at least 8 minutes.
Cool completely. Frost.
Our favorite sugar cookie frosting is below!

Another great thing about these cookies are they are so great after being frozen. This year for christmas anna made her cookies ahead of time. Put them in the freezer for about a week. Took them out to thaw, then frosted them, and put them back in the freezer so they are ready for christmas weekend. all in all the cookies will have been in the freezer a little over 2 weeks before being taken out to eat.

Favorite Sugar Cookie Frosting

1 cup shortening, such as Crisco

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

1 large bag powdered sugar (2lbs, about 8 cups)

1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (more if needed to reach desired consistency)

Food coloring

Either using a stand mixer or hand mixer, place shortening and extracts in bowl. Beat until creamy, at least 1 minute. Begin adding powdered sugar 1 cup at at time. When the mixture starts to become dry start adding cream a little at a time, alternating with the remaining powdered sugar. Beat until creamy. Add food coloring if desired.