Ingredients
- 1 (16.5-ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough (recommended: pillsbury)
- 1/4 cup flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 (16.5-ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough (recommended: pillsbury)
- 1/4 cup flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water, plus extra, as needed
Preparation
Baking Directions:
Special equipment: cookie cutters in the shape of butterflies, leaves and caterpillars, about 4 to 5-inches long .
Decorating suggestion: multi-colored sprinkles, colored decorating sugar, mini chocolate chips, small candies, mini marshmallowsFor the cookies: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the cookie dough and flour until smooth.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick.
Using animal-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough and place, about 2-inches apart, on the prepared baking sheets.
Form the scraps of dough into a ball, roll out to 1/4-inch thick, and continue to cut out animal-shapes.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool for 2 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
For the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth, about 20 seconds.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup water.
Beat on low speed until combined.
Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth, adding more water, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time until the frosting is spreadable.
Divide the frosting between 3 small bowls.
Color the frosting by mixing in 1 drop of food coloring at a time until the desired color is reached.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and decorate.
Cook's note: If using natural food coloring (such as Seelect brand), be sure to shake the bottle before adding the coloring to the frosting.