Animal Sugar Cookies

Name: Animal Sugar Cookies
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H12M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H39M0.000S
Yield: 16 cookies
Ingredients: 1 (16.5-ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough (recommended: Pillsbury); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 pound powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup water, plus extra, as needed; Assorted food coloring (see Cook's Note)

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Level: Easy
Total: 39 min

Prep: 10 min
Inactive: 17 min
Cook: 12 min

Yield: 16 cookies

Level: Easy
Total: 39 min

Prep: 10 min
Inactive: 17 min
Cook: 12 min

Yield: 16 cookies

Ingredients

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Cookies:

1 (16.5-ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough (recommended: Pillsbury)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

Frosting:

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 pound powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup water, plus extra, as needed

Assorted food coloring (see Cook's Note)

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.

Special Equipment: assorted animal-shaped cookie cutters, about 4 to 5-inches long
Decorating suggestion: multi-colored sprinkles, colored decorating sugar, mini chocolate chips, small candies, mini marshmallows
For the cookies: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the cookie dough and flour until smooth. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using animal-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough and arrange, about 2-inches apart, on the prepared baking sheets. Form the scraps of dough into a ball, roll out to 1/4-inch thick, and continue to cut out animal shapes. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
For the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth, adding more water, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable. Divide the frosting between 3 small bowls. Color the frosting by mixing in 1 drop of food coloring at a time, until the desired color is reached. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and decorate.
Cook's Note: If using natural food coloring (such as Seelect brand), be sure to shake the bottle before adding the coloring to the frosting.