Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use your mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the canola oil, water, and egg to the creamed mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each cookie to flatten slightly.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. While they cool, prepare the frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If you wish to add color to your frosting, incorporate a drop of food coloring and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the prepared frosting.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract.
- Make sure your butter is softened properly; it should be pliable but not melting.
- If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a fun twist, try adding sprinkles on top of the frosting for extra color and texture.