White Velvet Sugar Cookies & Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

My husband's philosophy is "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" but I am constantly on the look out for something newer or better. I couldn't resist trying this sugar cookie recipe from My Kitchen Cafe. Every recipe I have tried from Melanie's Blog has been super yummy and these were delicious. They were soft and buttery tasting. The flavor reminded me a lot of those butter cookies that you get in the tin with sugar sprinkled on them. These however are a million times better because a) they are soft and b) they have a delicious whipped cream cheese frosting on them. This recipe is one you'll want to try.

White Velvet Sugar Cookies
from My Kitchen Cafe

2 cups butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 1/2-4¾ cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg yolks and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour. The dough will be VERY soft; don't worry, it gets firmer after chilling. Cover and chill two hours or until firm. Roll out on floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes; place on greased baking sheets (or use parchment paper). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until set (but not browned). Cool 5 minutes. Place on wire racks to cool. Frost as desired.

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

1(8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Set aside. In another medium bowl, beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form (it helps to use a chilled bowl and chilled beaters - and make sure the peaks are stiff not soft). Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and mix carefully (so as not to deflate cream) but well. Frost to your heart's delight! (Be careful if adding coloring - the liquid food coloring found in the baking aisle can quickly thin your icing so you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to compensate. You can use Wilton's gel coloring too, but either will work.)

Sugar Cookie Frosting

1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
4 cups powdered sugar
4-6 tablespoons milkfood coloring (if desired)

Combine butter, vanilla and salt and beat until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined. Add milk and food coloring gradually until you reach your desired spreading consistency. Frost away!