Walmart-Style Sugar Cookies with Buttercream (Printable)
Soft, pillowy sugar cookies with rich buttercream frosting, just like the classic bakery favorite everyone loves.
# What You Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Buttercream Frosting
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Food coloring (optional)
16 - Sprinkles (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until thoroughly combined.
04 - Mix in the sour cream until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
06 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut 2.5-inch circles and place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
09 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are just set. Cookies should remain pale without browning. Cool completely on wire rack.
10 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, and cream; beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
11 - Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The texture comes out exactly like those bakery cookies with the slight edge and pillowy center
- The sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps them tender for days
- These freeze beautifully so you can have fresh bakery cookies anytime someone drops by
02 -
- The chilling step is not optional because warm dough spreads into thin crispy cookies
- Watch the oven like a hawk because one minute past done turns these from soft to crunchy
- Completely cool cookies before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off
03 -
- Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform rounds that bake evenly
- Add almond extract to half the frosting for a fun flavor variation