There’s nothing like the joy of baking, especially when the results are as delightful as these Happy Face Cookies. Originated from the love of bringing smiles on everyone’s faces, these cookies have a special place in my heart. For me, they’re not just a recipe; they’re a celebration of happiness, shared through the universal language of sweet treats. Their simple, yet delicious taste is a testament to the beauty of classic baking, using staple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. What makes them extra special is the emotional connection they create. I mean, who can resist a cookie with a smiling face? It’s like they’re inviting you to join in their happiness, and trust me, they do make you happy. So, let’s dive right in and start baking some joy!
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 lb. butter
- 3 lb. sugar (6 c.)
- 3 c. eggs
- 2 c. water
- 5 1/2 lb. flour
- 1/3 c. baking powder
- 3 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. vanilla
- 2 1/3 c. powdered milk
Baking Instructions
- Combine and mix well the butter, sugar, eggs and water. Add flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla and powdered milk. Mix well. Roll, cut out and bake at 350°.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy

When Butter Met Sugar: The Cookie Saga
Let me tell you a tale. A tale that involves a heroic amount of butter, a mountain of sugar, and a love for cookies that borders on obsession. This isn’t just any cookie, my friends. No, these are Happy Face Cookies. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t need a smiley face in their life, especially in the form of a mouthwatering cookie?
The Cast of Culinary Characters
It all started with 4 1/2 lb. of butter. Yes, you read that right. I’m not talking about a stick or two. This is the “go big or go home” of butter quantities. Then came the 3 lb. of sugar, because if you’re going to use enough butter to make a butter sculpture, you might as well balance it out with a sugar sandcastle. Then came the 3 cups of eggs, 2 cups of water, and enough flour (5 1/2 lb. to be exact) to give a sourdough starter a complex. Oh, and let’s not forget the 1/3 cup of baking powder, 3 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of vanilla, and 2 1/3 cups of powdered milk. Now, these may seem like a lot of ingredients, but when it comes to creating the happiest cookies on earth, no effort is too great.
The Great Mixing
The first step was to combine the butter, sugar, eggs, and water. This might sound easy, but when you’re wrestling with more butter than you’ve ever seen in your life, it can get pretty intense. I lost count of the number of times I had to scrape the butter off the ceiling. But I powered through, because nothing comes between me and my cookies. Once I finally got the butter, sugar, eggs and water mixed well, it was time to get the flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla and powdered milk in on the action.
Rolling, Cutting, and Baking: The Final Countdown
After the mixing came the rolling. Now, I’d like to tell you that this part went smoothly, but let’s just say that the rolling pin and I have a complicated relationship. After a couple of attempts (and a brief moment where I considered using a wine bottle as a makeshift rolling pin), I finally got the dough rolled out. Then, it was time for the fun part – cutting out the cookies. I had a blast creating an army of little smiley faces, and I may or may not have gotten a little carried away with the facial expressions.
Finally, it was time to bake these beauties at 350°. As the cookies filled the kitchen with an aroma that can only be described as “pure happiness”, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. There they were, my army of Happy Face Cookies, all ready to spread joy and deliciousness.
The Sweet Taste of Success
So, there you have it. The tale of my epic cookie baking journey. It was a saga filled with laughter, a bit of butter-induced frustration, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Despite the mishaps, the sticky counters, and the questionable wisdom of using a mountain of butter, I wouldn’t change a thing. Because in the end, there’s nothing quite like the sight of a tray full of Happy Face Cookies to bring a smile to my face. And, of course, the taste is out of this world. So, here’s to the joy of baking, the power of persistence, and the magic of butter, sugar, and a sprinkle of fun!