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White Lily Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies: A Taste of Southern Comfort

The aroma of sugar cookies baking always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I can almost see her now, a wisp of a woman with flour dusting her apron, carefully rolling out dough and letting me “help” with the cookie cutters. While the shapes were never perfect, the taste was always pure magic – a soft, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that lingered long after the last crumb was gone. This recipe for White Lily Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies captures that same feeling of warmth and nostalgia, a perfect treat for sharing with loved ones (or keeping all to yourself!).

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yields: 30 cookies
Serves: 30
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup Butter Flavor Crisco
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup sour cream
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Equipment Needed

Baking sheets
Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
Medium bowl
Large bowl
Electric mixer
Cooling racks
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Glass for flattening cookies

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly coating them with a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent texture and rise in your cookies.
In a large bowl, combine the Butter Flavor Crisco and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the soft and tender texture of the cookies.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue to beat until well combined. The egg adds richness and structure to the cookies, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
Stir in the sour cream until just combined. Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cookies, further contributing to their soft texture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Gradually add half of the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Again, avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
With lightly oiled hands, roll the dough into 2-inch balls. This size yields cookies that are perfect for a single serving and bake evenly.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents the cookies from merging during baking.
Dip the bottom of a glass into flour; press down on each ball to flatten it to about ½ inch thickness. Redip the glass in flour between each cookie to prevent sticking. The flatter the cookies, the quicker they will bake.
Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the cookies begin to look dry on top. Keep a close eye on them during baking, as they should not brown. The goal is to achieve a slightly dry surface without browning the edges. Remember, ovens vary, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely. Allowing them to cool slightly on the baking sheets prevents them from breaking apart when transferring.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Beat on low speed until blended, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
If desired, stir in any food coloring to customize your cookies for special occasions.
Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the prepared frosting.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature sour cream: This helps it incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Chill the dough (optional): If your kitchen is warm or the dough seems too soft to handle, chilling it for 30 minutes before rolling can make it easier to work with.
Customize the frosting: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add unique flavor to your frosting. You can also add sprinkles or other decorations for a festive touch.
For uniform cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure each dough ball is the same size.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these White Lily Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They are perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence any time of day.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	189.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	65 kcal	35%
Total Fat	7.3 g	11%
Saturated Fat	3.7 g	18%
Cholesterol	17.8 mg	5%
Sodium	72.2 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	29.3 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	18.5 g	74%
Protein	1.9 g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically formulated for baking. Be sure to check the package instructions for any additional adjustments needed.
Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also add lemon extract to the frosting.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Gently fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough before rolling into balls.
Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular butter instead of Butter Flavor Crisco?
A: While you can, the Butter Flavor Crisco contributes to the signature soft texture of these cookies. Using regular butter will result in a slightly different, perhaps denser, cookie.

Q: My frosting is too runny. What can I do?
A: Gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baking the cookies right away?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too thin while baking?
A: This can happen if your butter is too soft or your oven temperature is too low. Make sure your Butter Flavor Crisco is properly creamed and your oven is accurately calibrated. Chilling the dough before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Q: Can I make these cookies without sour cream?
A: Sour cream contributes significantly to the soft texture. If you must substitute, try plain Greek yogurt, but be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

These White Lily Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a connection to cherished memories and a celebration of simple pleasures. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and a sweet treat to your table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations, share your creations with loved ones, and most importantly, enjoy the process! And if you decide to add a special touch or have a successful adaptation, I’d love to hear about it!

White Lily Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe