Walmart-Style Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting (Print)

Soft, bakery-style sugar cookies with creamy buttercream frosting, just like the classic Walmart bakery favorite.

# Ingredient list:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Buttercream Frosting

10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Food coloring (optional)
16 - Sprinkles (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later use.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until thoroughly incorporated.
04 - Mix in sour cream until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
06 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut 2.5-inch circles and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are just set. Cookies should remain pale, not browned. Cool completely on wire rack.
10 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, and cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
11 - Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sour cream creates the softest, tenderest crumb that stays fresh for days
  • Frosting these is incredibly forgiving, thick or swooped, they always look charming
02 -
  • Chilling dough is non negotiable for cookies that hold their shape
  • Room temperature ingredients incorporate more smoothly and create better texture
03 -
  • Sift your powdered sugar directly into the mixing bowl to avoid stubborn lumps
  • Add a drop of almond extract to the frosting for bakery style depth