Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
- In another large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, and shortening with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and the whole egg to the butter mixture. Beat until combined. Add egg white and continue beating until well combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the hand mixer on low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until no flour pockets remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. This step is essential for preventing spreading.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and roll out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Cut out desired shapes with floured cookie cutters.
- Place 6 cookies on each prepared baking sheet. Bake one sheet at a time for 10-12 minutes, until edges are firm without browning.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together 1 cup softened butter and 4 cups powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Add vanilla extract. With the mixer running, drizzle in heavy cream until frosting reaches desired consistency. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting onto cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles immediately, before the frosting sets.
Notes
Chill dough for full 2-3 hours to prevent spreading. Roll to ½ inch thick for best texture. Flour cookie cutters before each cut. Bake one sheet at a time. Add sprinkles immediately after frosting. Store unfrosted cookies up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze up to 3 months. Store decorated cookies in refrigerator up to 1 week.
