Baking for a crowd can be daunting, but sometimes a little bit of confidence can lead to delightful surprises. Inspired by a family Easter gathering and armed with Pioneer Woman cookbooks, I stumbled upon a gem: the Roll-Out Sugar Cookies recipe. This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories, especially when it comes to holidays like Easter, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, personal touch. Get ready to roll out some fun with this guide to making perfect Pioneer Woman Sugar Cookies.
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This recipe is wonderfully versatile, adapting to your cookie cutter collection and decorative flair. Whether you’re aiming for dozens of delicate cookies or a smaller batch of larger, statement pieces, this dough is your canvas. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these delightful treats.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Sugar Cookies
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. For the Sugar Cookies themselves, you will need:
- 1 1/3 cups Shortening
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated Orange Zest
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for rolling
- 3 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Whole Milk
And for the Buttercream Frosting, which perfectly complements the cookies:
- 2 sticks Butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- Cookie Sprinkles and Decorations
- Gel Food Coloring (optional)
Ingredients Sugar Cookies with Icing
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Sugar Cookies
Now, let’s embark on the baking journey, step by step, to ensure your Pioneer Woman Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Zest the Orange
Begin by grating 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest. This small addition brings a subtle citrus note that elevates the flavor of the cookies.
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Step 2: Cream Shortening and Sugar
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1 1/3 cups of shortening with 1 1/2 cups of sugar.
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Step 3: Add Orange Zest
Introduce the freshly grated orange zest to the mixture.
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Step 4: Cream Until Smooth
Beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. This ensures the sugar is well incorporated into the shortening, creating a good base for the cookie dough.
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Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Eggs add richness and structure to the cookies.
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Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract
Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
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Step 7: Continue Beating
Resume beating the mixture to fully incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract.
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Step 8: Scrape the Bowl
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are evenly mixed and no clumps are left on the sides.
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Step 9: Mix Again
Continue mixing the dough after scraping, ensuring a consistent texture.
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Step 10: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, sift together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sifting ensures a light and airy texture for the cookies.
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Step 11: Sift Away
Complete the sifting process to properly combine and aerate the dry ingredients.
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Step 12: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl.
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Step 13: Mix Until Just Combined
Mix until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
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Step 14: Add Milk
Pour in 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of whole milk. Milk adds moisture and helps bring the dough together.
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Step 15: Mix Again
Mix again until the milk is fully incorporated and the dough comes together.
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Step 16: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, and place each disk in a plastic bag. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll out.
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Step 17: Preheat and Soften Dough
After chilling, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Step 18: Roll Out Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
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Step 19: Cut Out Cookies
Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. For Easter, shapes like crosses, hearts, and stars are festive, but feel free to use any shapes for any occasion.
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Step 20: Bake Cookies
Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent browning.
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Step 21: Cooled Baked Cookies
The cookies are done when they are just set and not browned. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
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Step 22: Prepare Frosting Bowl
While the cookies are cooling, clean the mixing bowl to prepare for making the buttercream frosting.
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Step 23: Cream Softened Butter
Add 2 sticks of softened butter to the clean mixing bowl.
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Step 24: Add Powdered Sugar
Follow with 4 cups of powdered sugar.
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Step 25: Add Heavy Cream
Pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the bowl.
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Step 26: Beat Frosting
Beat all frosting ingredients until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, divide the frosting and add gel food coloring to create different shades.
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Step 27: Ice and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cooled, ice them with the buttercream frosting. Get creative with decorations using sprinkles, candies, or gel food coloring.
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For a fun and interactive experience, especially at gatherings, set up a cookie decorating station where guests can frost and decorate their own cookies. It’s a delightful activity for all ages and adds a personal touch to your dessert spread.
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These Pioneer Woman sugar cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for showcasing on a dessert table. They pair wonderfully with other treats, creating a beautiful and tempting display.
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Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Roll-Out Sugar Cookie recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bake delightful and decorative cookies. Whether it’s for Easter brunch, a holiday celebration, or just a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. Get your ingredients ready and start creating your own batch of perfect Pioneer Woman Sugar Cookies today!
*Recipe adapted from: Easter Cookies by The Pioneer Woman.
