Spooky Sugar Cookies

Taylor and I made Halloween sugar cookies today and then decorated them (or rather, he decorated one, ate it, then decided he was bored).

Aren't they cute?


Even though these are super basic, I thought I'd post the recipe for the cookies and the frosting for anyone who might be interested.

Sugar Cookies
(From Mrs. Field's Cookie Book)

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt with a wire whisk.
In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well mixed. Scrape down sides of bowl, then add the flour mixture. Blend on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
Gather dough into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Refrigerate 1 hour until firm.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. With cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 13-15 minutes, being careful not to brown. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool, flat surface.
Yields 2-3 dozen cookies.

Sugar Cookie Frosting
(from Allrecipes.com)

Ingredients: (You can easily double this recipe if needed)
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup shortening or softened butter
2-1/2 tablespoons milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Food coloring

Directions:
In a medium bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening with electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes.
Color with food coloring if desired.

I divided the frosting into three bowls to make different colors. I reserved a little of each in small ziplock bags, clipped the corners, and used them to pipe the details and letters on the cookies.

I just love Halloween!