When it comes to holiday baking, nothing beats the classic iced sugar cookie. These sweet treats are a must-have for any festive gathering and are a staple in Southern Living's recipe collection. With a soft and buttery base, a touch of vanilla, and a generous layer of creamy icing, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. But what sets this recipe apart from others? Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and techniques that make this iced sugar cookie truly special.
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One of the key elements of a delicious iced sugar cookie is finding the perfect balance of sweetness. Too much sugar can result in an overly sweet and cloying cookie, while too little can leave it bland and unappealing. This recipe from Southern Living uses a combination of both granulated and powdered sugar to achieve just the right amount of sweetness. The granulated sugar provides a subtle crunch and the powdered sugar adds a smooth and creamy texture to the icing.
When it comes to baking, butter is always the preferred choice. Not only does it add rich flavor to baked goods, but it also helps create a soft and tender texture. This recipe calls for unsalted butter, which allows you to control the amount of salt in the cookies. It's important to use room temperature butter, as it will cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie base.
While vanilla extract may seem like a small addition, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of these cookies. Southern Living's recipe calls for both vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste, giving the cookies a robust vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the icing. The vanilla bean paste also adds specks of vanilla bean throughout the dough, giving the cookies a beautiful appearance.
The icing is the finishing touch that takes these iced sugar cookies to the next level. The recipe calls for a simple mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, but the key to achieving the perfect consistency is to add the milk gradually. This allows you to control the thickness of the icing, making it easier to spread or pipe onto the cookies. For an extra festive touch, add food coloring to the icing and decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
While this recipe is a tried and true classic, feel free to get creative and add your own twist. Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor, or mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. You can also experiment with different types of icing, such as a cream cheese frosting, to add even more depth of flavor.
With its perfect balance of sweetness, buttery base, and creamy icing, this iced sugar cookie recipe from Southern Living is sure to become a holiday favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your loved ones with these delectable treats.
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