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Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (3.5 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together ¾ cup softened butter, ¼ cup vegetable shortening, and 1 ½ cups sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden, then cool on a rack.
- Beat ½ cup softened butter for frosting, then gradually add 4 cups confectioner’s sugar and 6 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth.
- Mix in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt, adding gel food coloring if desired.
- Frost the cooled cookies and decorate as desired.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing.
Watch closely while baking to avoid over-baking. You want lightly browned edges with soft centers.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg