If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cookie that balances tender crumb and sweet, creamy frosting, you are in for a treat with this Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are wonderfully soft, with just the right hint of vanilla, and topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy that sweet tooth, these cookies bring joy with every bite. I can’t wait to share this beloved recipe with you—it truly is one of my favorite go-to sweets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these cookies is delightfully straightforward thanks to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together magically. Each one adds a special touch to the flavor, texture, and overall experience of these sugar cookies.
- 1 cup Butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- 1 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 large Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 large Egg Yolk: Adds extra richness for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Offers a warm, comforting vanilla flavor that brightens the cookies.
- 2 3/4 cups Flour: The structure behind every cookie, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with the baking powder for a balanced texture.
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened) for frosting: Creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened): Adds tanginess and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookie.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to spreadable perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Intensifies the frosting’s flavor with a smooth vanilla note.
- 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the frosting if you’re feeling fancy.
- Gel Food Coloring and Sprinkles (optional): Perfect for festive flair and colorful creativity.
How to Make Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together for a full 4 minutes. This step is key because it builds a light, fluffy base for your dough. The mixture will turn pale and smooth, which is exactly where you want it to be—this airiness helps make the cookies tender.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides to make sure you get that perfect smoothness throughout the dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In goes the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until a soft dough forms—overmixing here can make your cookies dense and chewy, which we want to avoid for these delightfully soft treats.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap up the dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about an hour. This chilling process firms up the butter, helping your cookies hold their shape while baking, and enhances the flavor for thicker, softer bites.
Step 5: Roll and Cut Cookies
Lightly flour your workspace and roll the chilled dough out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, depending on how soft you like your cookies. Use floured cookie cutters to stamp out fun shapes, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the dough starts to warm, chill the cut cookies for another 10 minutes before baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set, centers appear pale and slightly soft, and the bottoms have a faint golden hue. The secret to the Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is careful timing—don’t overbake, or the cookies will lose their tender texture.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial because frosting warm cookies can result in a melty mess, and we want that smooth, luscious finish.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together softened butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, scraping down the bowl as you go. Add gel food coloring if you like, stirring until blended. This frosting is the dreamiest partner for your sugar cookies.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the frosting with an offset spatula using gentle circular motions for a soft, inviting look. Top with additional colors or sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration. Your homemade masterpiece is ready to impress!
How to Serve Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish to elevate these cookies. Brightly colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar can add visual appeal and a little extra sweetness that delights both kids and adults alike.
Side Dishes
These cookies crave companionship, and a glass of cold milk is the classic pairing that never fails. For an adult twist, serve alongside a rich cup of coffee or a cozy mug of hot cocoa for that ultimate comfort combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your cookies on a festive platter or stacking them with parchment paper for gifting. You can also create cookie stacks tied with ribbon for party favors or include them as part of a dessert board with fruit and nuts for a truly special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft; the bread will absorb excess moisture and keep your cookies tender.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, both unbaked dough and baked cookies freeze well. Wrap dough tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing, or freeze baked cookies on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw cookies at room temperature and frost when ready.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked feel, warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the frosting too soft or melt the decorations.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, tightly wrapped, and kept refrigerated. This actually develops more flavor as the dough rests.
Why do you use both baking powder and baking soda?
Using both ensures a balance between tenderness and rise. Baking powder provides lift while baking soda reacts with the acidic cream cheese frosting to keep the cookies soft yet structured.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can substitute with buttercream frosting for a sweeter, more classic sugar cookie topping, but cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that complements these cookies perfectly.
Can I use different extracts in the frosting?
Certainly! Vanilla is best for subtle warmth, but almond or lemon extracts can add a delightful twist. Just be careful – a little goes a long way in flavor intensity.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough properly before baking is the best way to control spreading. Also, avoid too much butter melting in the oven by using softened but not melted butter.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe in your kitchen. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser with its tender texture and dreamy frosting that can brighten any day or celebration. Once you start baking these, you’ll find they become a staple for every holiday, party, or just-simple treat moment. Happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Frosted Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and buttery with a delightful cream cheese frosting. Perfectly chilled dough ensures minimal spreading resulting in thick, soft cookies that are beautifully decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 3/4 cups Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)
- Gel Food Coloring and Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 4 minutes until the mixture is light in color, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to blend evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover or wrap the dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm the butter, reduce spreading, and enhance flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Lightly flour a work surface and roll dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Use floured cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If dough warms, chill cut cookies 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are set, centers remain slightly soft, and bottoms are barely golden.
- Cool Cookies: Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender. Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Cream together softened butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, scraping bowl sides as needed. Add almond extract and food coloring if desired.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread frosting with an offset spatula in soft swirling motions. Decorate with colored frosting or festive sprinkles as desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to thick, soft cookies that don’t spread too much.
- Avoid overmixing dough to prevent tough cookies.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaked centers keep cookies tender.
- For best frosting consistency, soften butter and cream cheese before mixing.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant hues without thinning the frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
