It's the time of year again.  Hot summer days, lounging at the pool and late summer nights.  I have so many memories of summertime as a kid most of which came from celebrating the 4th of July!  We are so blessed to live in this amazing country and to have brave men and women willing to sacrifice everything for us to enjoy the freedoms we have.

Every year I try to make something special to celebrate and as since this is a Disney focused blog, this year I Mickey-fied (is that a word??;)) my sugar cookie recipe!  This recipe I have used for many years.  It's so versatile, you can flavor it anyway you want, and if steps are followed correctly, is fool proof and perfect for any occasion.  I used M & Ms red, white and blue milk chocolate version I found at Walmart.




This recipe can be used for any holiday!


Vanilla Sugar Cookies (from Confetti Cakes Cookbook)

Ingredients:
2 1/3 C plus 2 TBSP All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder
3/4 C (1 1/2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
1/2 Cup plus 2 TBSP Sugar
1 Large Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract  

Filling: See Buttercream Recipe here.  I flavored my buttercream with a cream cheese emulsion from Lorann Professional Kitchen.


Directions:

1. In a bowl of a standing mixer, mix softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla.

2.  Slowly mix in dry ingredients.  Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Roll dough out between 2 pieces of wax paper.  Use a thickness guide if you have one.  I used the Dough EZ baking mat.  Chill dough for 30 minutes.

4.  Take dough out of fridge and cut shapes out.   Add M & Ms as desired. The other option is to add the M & Ms to the sides of the cookies after baked and filled. See video below.



5. Pre heat oven to 350º.  Chill cut shapes for 15 minutes in freezer.  This will ensure the cookies don't lose their shape.

6.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Let cool before filling.  Enjoy!!



I'd love to hear if you've tried them out!  Happy 4th of July!!