Copycat Cheryl & Co. Buttery Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Nostalgia

The scent of warm sugar cookies baking always transports me back to my childhood. My grandmother, a woman whose love language was baking, would spend hours in her kitchen during the holidays, churning out trays of these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth delights. We would decorate them with sprinkles and frosting, each cookie a tiny canvas for our childish imaginations. These copycat Cheryl & Co. sugar cookies evoke that same comforting feeling, a little piece of nostalgia baked with love. Now, I’m excited to share this easy-to-make recipe with you to bake some lovely memories for yourself and your loved ones.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yields: 36 cookies
• Serves: 2-3
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• Desired food coloring

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie press
• Cookie sheets
• Wire racks

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter (or margarine) and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind the ingredients and adds richness, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together to ensure the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This will help the cookies rise properly and have a balanced flavor.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
5. Put the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired plate. A cookie press makes quick work of forming uniform cookies, but if you don’t have one, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters.
6. Form cookies directly onto ungreased cookie sheets. If you’re using a cookie press, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for creating shapes. If rolling and cutting, aim for an even thickness to ensure consistent baking.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 6-8 minutes, or until set but not brown. This is a critical step! Do not overbake! The cookies should remain pale and tender. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
8. Cool the cookies on wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter (or margarine), vanilla extract, and 2 cups of powdered sugar. Start with a low speed and gradually increase it to prevent a powdered sugar cloud.
2. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. The amount of milk needed may vary depending on the humidity and the type of powdered sugar used.
3. Continue adding the powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and holds its shape.
4. Add food coloring to all or a portion of the frosting. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant colors. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add different colors to each for a festive look.
5. Frost the cooled cookies with the prepared frosting. Get creative with your decorating! Use piping bags, sprinkles, and other decorations to make your cookies unique.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the most tender cookies, make sure your butter (or margarine) is properly softened before creaming it with the sugar. It should be soft enough to easily indent with your finger, but not melted.
• To prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before using the cookie press.
• Don’t overcrowd the cookie sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for even baking.
• If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create shapes.
• To prevent the frosting from becoming too thick, add the milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these delightful sugar cookies at room temperature with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.

To store the cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	2852 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	1291 g	45%
Total Fat	143.5 g	220%
Saturated Fat	89.4 g	447%
Cholesterol	464.7 mg	154%
Sodium	1751 mg	72%
Total Carbohydrate	376.9 g	125%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16%
Sugars	251.9 g	1007%
Protein	22.1 g	44%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum for best results.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter or margarine and a plant-based milk alternative such as almond milk or soy milk in the frosting.
• Flavor variations: Add a pinch of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Seasonal adaptations: Use seasonal sprinkles or food coloring to match the occasion. For example, use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to soften slightly before using the cookie press.

Q: My cookies are spreading too much during baking. What can I do?
A: Make sure your butter is not too soft. Also, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before using the cookie press.

Q: Can I freeze the frosted cookies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the frosted cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have a cookie press?
A: If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create shapes.

Q: How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?
A: Start with less powdered sugar and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

These copycat Cheryl & Co. buttery sugar cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, and the results are simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some sweet memories. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and let me know what you think! These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. Happy baking!