Description
Delicious patriotic sugar cookies topped with cream cheese frosting, perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) margarine, softened
- 1 large (50g) egg
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour, unbleached
- ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons (15ml) milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated before baking the cookies.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together softened margarine, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture appears light and fluffy, incorporating air to help cookies rise and become soft.
- Step 3: Stir the baking powder into the creamed mixture until evenly combined. This step is essential for giving the cookies their lift and light texture.
- Step 4: Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture one cup at a time. Stir thoroughly after each addition to incorporate the flour completely and prevent clumps, resulting in a smooth dough.
- Step 5: Place the cookie dough on a lightly floured countertop. Roll it out evenly to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Step 6: Use star or flag cookie cutters to cut shapes from the rolled dough. This step allows for creative designs suitable for patriotic celebrations.
- Step 7: Arrange the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them sufficiently apart to allow for slight spreading without merging.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Monitor closely and remove the cookies when their edges turn a very light golden brown and cookies feel firm to the touch.
- Step 9: While the cookies bake, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar using a hand mixer. Start on low speed to avoid splattering and mix until smooth.
- Step 10: Add the vanilla extract and milk to the frosting mixture. Mix until you achieve a spreadable and smooth consistency.
- Step 11: After the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Finish by sprinkling with colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles to add a decorative crunch.
Notes
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture exposure.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain firmness and keep the frosting intact.
- Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw wrapped cookies at room temperature before decorating with frosting.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out to create more stable shapes.
- For cookies that do not hold their shape, ensure the dough is rolled out to a consistent thickness of about ¼ inch (6mm).
- If frosting is too thick for spreading or piping, add an extra teaspoon of milk at a time, mixing thoroughly until it reaches the desired smoothness.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to compensate for uneven oven heat and promote uniform baking.
- Allow frosted cookies to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set.
- Serve with fresh fruit salad or whipped cream to complement the sweet, creamy texture.
- Pair the cookies with vanilla ice cream or a selection of fresh berries to enhance the festive experience.
- Create cookie sandwiches using either vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a different dessert format.
- Include these cookies on a dessert tray alongside brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for added visual appeal, or drizzle with melted chocolate or fruit glaze for extra flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg