Walmart-Style Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting (Printable Version)
Soft, bakery-style sugar cookies with creamy buttercream frosting, just like classic Walmart cookies. Perfect for parties and sweet treats.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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)
# How to Make:
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. Beat until fully incorporated, then mix in sour cream until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour until firm.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
07 - On 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 just set. Centers should remain soft and pale. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
09 - 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. Incorporate food coloring if desired.
10 - Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles immediately if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These cookies stay soft for days thanks to the secret ingredient in the dough
- The buttercream tastes exactly like the bakery version you remember from childhood
- They're surprisingly foolproof even if you've never made cutout cookies before
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy here pull these out when the edges look set but the centers still seem slightly underdone
- The dough must be chilled properly or your cookies will spread into thin sad puddles
- Room temperature ingredients make a huge difference in how the dough comes together
03 -
- If your dough feels too sticky to roll wrap it and chill for another 30 minutes
- Clear vanilla extract will keep your frosting bright white while traditional vanilla gives a warmer color