birthday cookies2

 This recipe is very near and dear to my heart. Ten years ago I was being induced to have our first baby, I decided to make cookies for all the nurses and doctors that God was sending to be part of one of the most special days of my life. I stayed up late that night dreaming of what it was going to be like being a mother…while I made these very cookies. When I took these into the hospital, I was amazed at how much joy they brought the hospital staff !

I felt as though I had a revolving door on my room…I got to meet so many people and had a great time watching everyone enjoy them! My doctor even had one after she delivered my son. Needless to say, I made these cookies for 2 more induced labors and brought them to the hospital with me…I also make them on my children’s birthdays each year.  I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you this wonderful family recipe that we love so much….Enjoy!”

Sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla and buttermilk (I don’t typically have buttermilk on hand, so I will show you a trick)

To substitute buttermilk, you add 1 Tbsp of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk (you can also substitute vinegar if you don’t have lemon juice) let sit until needed

In a large bowl combine sugar, softened butter (I place in the microwave for 30 seconds) and eggs

Blend until creamy

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, and salt) and pour into the wet ingredients, then add vanilla and milk.

This is what it looks like…very informal (you will have one less hand, haha)

It will make a sticky/thick batter. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour (the batter will be too sticky if you skip this part)

When the dough has been in the refrigerator for 1 hour, shape a heaping tablespoonful of dough into a ball. Place 6 cookie dough balls on baking sheet and bake in an oven set at 350 for 15 mins.

While the cookies are baking start making the frosting: Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk

Cookies are done! Let them sit on the cookie sheet for 1 min so they are easy to take off. Then, place on a cooling rack until ready to frost.

Beat 6 Tbsp softened butter (warmed in microwave for 30 seconds), 6 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and appx 3 Tbsp of milk or until desired consistency.

When cookies are completely cool, add frosting with a knife, like so. (You may color your frosting by adding food coloring)

Add sprinkles to your liking!

My little princess couldn’t wait to frost hers! (as you can see the frosting melted a bit)

 MMMM!!

Soft Sugar Cookies:

2 c sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
2 eggs
5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 Tbsp lemon juice OR white vinegar)

Preheat oven to 350

Cream sugar, butter and eggs together. Add flour and dry ingredients together, pour into creamed mixture. Add milk and vanilla and beat well. Place dough in refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll dough into balls (heaping tablespoon size) and place 6 to a sheet to allow spreading. Bake for 15 mins. When done, keep on baking sheet for 1 min so they are easier to take off. Transfer to cooking rack until ready to frost and decorate!

Frosting:

6 cups powdered sugar
6 Tbsp butter (softened)
3 Tbsp (appx) of milk or until desired consistency
1 tsp vanilla
Beat all ingredients well until smooth and creamy.

Love to you,

Janelle

Janelle Nehrenz

Janelle Nehrenz is a Christian wife and mom of 3 young children. She has a meal ministry, co-leads a Summer bible study, and happily stays busy volunteering at church and her children’s school. She is also in the process of attaining her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling.

Her spiritual gifts are a mix of “hospitality and evangelism” and she shares all about it on her blog Comfy in the Kitchen. You can also find her on Take Them a Meal and Women Living Well.

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