Walmart-Style Sugar Cookies Buttercream (Printable Version)
Soft sugar cookies with fluffy buttercream, inspired by classic bakery favorites.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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. 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 until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut circles approximately 2.5 inches in diameter and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
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 thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla, salt, and cream. Beat on high speed 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 an incredibly tender crumb that stays soft for days
- This frosting pipes like a dream and holds its shape beautifully
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy here pull them when the edges look set but the centers still seem slightly soft
- Completely cool cookies before frosting or the buttercream will melt right off
03 -
- Sift your powdered sugar twice for the smoothest buttercream of your life
- A touch of almond extract in the frosting creates that classic bakery flavor