Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Happy Valentine's Day! I had been wanting to try out this sour cream sugar cookie recipe for quite some time, but I usually only make cutout cookies for Christmas. I realized that I do own heart-shaped cookie cutters, so why not make some cutouts for Valentine's Day? Plus, I have it on good information that my valentine likes sugar cookies. The dough for these cookies, even after chilling, is one of the softest roll-out doughs I have ever used. Even though it was slightly difficult to work with, it turned out delightfully soft, fluffy cookies that should be enjoyed anytime of year.

SOUR CREAM SUGAR COOKIES
Adapted slightly from One Good Thing by Jillee

INGREDIENTS - COOKIES
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INGREDIENTS - FROSTING
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk
food coloring (if desired)

DIRECTIONS
1.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the shortening and sugar together on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla and blend together until creamy. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients 1/3 at a time mixing just until incorporated and evenly mixed. The dough will be very sticky.

3. Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for 1-2 hours.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using plenty of flour on your work surface and rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using floured cookie cutters. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until cookies are just barely beginning to brown on the outside. Cool completely before frosting.

5. Beat together all frosting ingredients, starting with 2 tablespoons of milk and adding more milk if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. Spread frosting on cooled cookies.