Walmart Sugar Cookies with Buttercream (Print Version)

Soft sugar cookies topped with creamy buttercream frosting, just like the classic bakery treats everyone loves.

# What You'll 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)

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
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, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in sour cream until smooth.
04 - Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut 2.5-inch circles and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Cool completely on wire rack.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, and cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread or pipe frosting generously onto cooled cookies. Add sprinkles if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sour cream creates that impossibly soft, bakery style texture you cant get from recipes without it
  • These cookies stay fresh for days, unlike most homemade sugar cookies that harden overnight
02 -
  • Overbaking is the number one mistake; remove cookies when they look slightly underdone in the center
  • The dough must be thoroughly chilled or it will spread too much and lose that perfect round shape
03 -
  • Sift your powdered sugar directly into the mixing bowl to avoid dusting your entire kitchen
  • Chill frosted cookies for 15 minutes before stacking to prevent smudging the buttercream