Walmart-Style Sugar Cookies with Buttercream (Print Version)
Soft, pillowy sugar cookies with creamy buttercream frosting, just like your favorite bakery treats.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Cookie Dough
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 until well combined. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down sides as needed.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, then mix in sour cream until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until a soft dough forms and no flour streaks remain.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape into flat discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2.5-inch rounds and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and pale. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
09 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla, salt, and cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
10 - Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles immediately if using before frosting sets.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That sour cream creates the softest, tenderest crumb youve ever experienced in a sugar cookie
- The buttercream is stable enough to pipe but still melts in your mouth like the bakery version you remember
02 -
- Overbaking by even one minute will ruin that signature soft texture
- Completely cooled cookies are non negotiable or your frosting will melt right off
03 -
- If your dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for another 30 minutes rather than adding more flour
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning