Sugar Cookies & Buttercream Frosting

Love these sugar cookies...and this is my mom's special buttercream frosting recipe.

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 Tbsp. sour cream
1/2 tsp almond or lemon extract (I use almond)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 1/4 c. flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, almond or lemon extract and vanilla. Mix well. Add soda, salt and flour and mix on low just until combined. Roll dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours. Roll out on floured surface and cut into shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 375 degrees fr 6 to 8minutes. Watch so they don't brown. Coll on racks, then frost and decorate.

Frosting

The thick but creamy texture of this flavorful frosting makes it ideal for decorating. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
3 Tbsp. milk

Cream butter and shortening in electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all the sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until you're ready to decorate.

Something healthy coming next...