Has it happened to you yet? The doorbell rings on a dark October night, but when you answer, no one is there? Then you look down and see a plate full of goodies and a note informing you that you have been tagged (or "booed" or "spooked" or visited by a "Halloween Phantom"). It's one part trick and one part treat--my favorite!
It's your turn now to surprise someone else, and there is no better recipe for it than my delicious frosted sugar cookies. The recipe makes enough to share a plate or two, while keeping some for yourself. Plus, kids love to help cut out all the fun shapes and decorate them with sprinkles and candy.
Perfect Sugar Cookies
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup salted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt with a wire whisk. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well mixed. Scrape down sides of bowl, then add the flour mixture. Blend on low speed just until combined. Do not over mix. Gather dough into a ball. Flatten the ball into a disk and wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut dough into desired shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 15 minutes, being careful not to brown. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool, flat surface.
Perfect Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/8 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring (optional)
Directions
Cream together butter, extract, and powdered sugar. Gradually add milk to desired consistency. (Remember: using liquid food coloring will thin the frosting, so leave the base a little thicker than you want it to be.)
But wait!
Now I ask the question: Why limit this Halloween activity to only your neighbors? If you want to send a Halloween surprise long-distance, I highly recommend our adorable, affordable Batty Bites Box, filled with Nibblers bite-sized cookies, Brownie Bites, and a frosted cookie too! You can include a personalized enclosure inviting your recipient to play along and send a surprise to someone else!
Good idea, huh? Now, get going and let the Halloween hijinks begin!
