If you’re searching for a cookie that perfectly balances tender crumb, buttery richness, and a sweet, creamy frosting, then look no further. This Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new go-to favorite, delivering a nostalgic taste of homemade goodness that’s irresistibly soft and joyfully festive. From the first fluffy bite to the intricate swirls of luscious frosting, these cookies bring warmth and smiles to every occasion, making them a beloved classic that’s just as fun to bake as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential for crafting those perfectly soft cookies with that dreamy frosting everyone loves. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s bringing structure, flavor, or that velvety smooth sweetness that makes these cookies stand out.
- 1 cup Butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps give the cookie a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crust.
- 1 large Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 large Egg Yolk: Enriches the dough with extra fat for a richer flavor and texture.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Provides that warm, aromatic vanilla essence essential to sugar cookies.
- 2 3/4 cups Flour: The structure-builder that creates the perfect cookie body.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda: Enhances browning and contributes to tenderness.
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened for frosting): Gives richness and creaminess to the frosting texture.
- 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened): Adds tang and smoothness for a luscious frosting that’s not too sweet.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Deepens frosting flavor with pure vanilla goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional): A little extra nutty note that enhances the frosting’s complexity.
- Gel Food Coloring and Sprinkles (optional): Fun additions for festive colors and a sprinkle of joy on top!
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 until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy, and smooth base. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help your cookies rise up beautifully while giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Egg, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl to ensure that every bit is well blended—this guarantees a uniform dough that’s perfect from edge to center.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here; the goal is to keep the cookies tender, and overworking the dough can make them tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is a game changer—it firms up the butter so the cookies spread less, helps intensify the flavor, and promotes a thicker, softer bite.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Lightly flour your surface and roll the chilled dough to between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thickness for that coveted soft texture. Dip your cookie cutters in flour before cutting to prevent sticking, then transfer your shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the dough feels warm, pop the cut cookies back into the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to keep them from losing their crisp edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for set edges, slightly soft and pale centers, and barely golden bottoms. Remember, underbaking slightly is the secret to tender cookies, so keep a close eye as oven times can vary.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, so patience here is definitely rewarded.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla (and almond extract if you like) while scraping the bowl’s sides for an even mix. Add gel coloring if you want to jazz up your frosting with vibrant hues.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once cookies have fully cooled, spread the frosting with an offset spatula in gentle, soft swirls that look as beautiful as they taste. Finish with colorful sprinkles or piping details to make your creations truly festive and inviting.
How to Serve Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookie presentation with a scattering of sprinkles, fine sanding sugar, or edible glitter for sparkle. These little touches add a pop of texture and whimsy that invite a smile before the first bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a cozy mug of cocoa. The creamy beverages perfectly complement the sweetness and soften the richness, making for a comforting treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your frosted sugar cookies on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh flowers or colorful napkins. For parties, bag individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with ribbons, or stack them in festive tins. Presentation adds that extra magic that makes your sugar cookies unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. Layer them between parchment paper to protect the delicate frosting and keep them looking as good as they taste.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once solid. Freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for best texture and appearance, so your cookies stay delightfully fresh.
Reheating
Warming frosted cookies is tricky because frosting can melt. If you want a freshly baked feel, warm unfrosted cookies in a low oven for a few minutes, then frost when cool. This way, you get that soft warmth without compromising your beautiful frosting.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this sugar cookie recipe?
You can substitute salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavors, which is why it’s preferred here.
What makes this the Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe compared to others?
The careful balance of soft, tender dough chilled for the perfect texture combined with the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting sets this recipe apart. It’s designed for maximum flavor, tenderness, and frosting that stays luscious without being too sweet.
Can I use other extracts instead of vanilla and almond?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon, peppermint, or even coconut extract for unique flavor twists. Just remember that a little goes a long way to keep the balance right.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling solidifies the butter, reducing cookie spread and encouraging a thick, soft texture. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your cookies taste even better baked the next day.
How do I get the frosting so smooth and creamy?
Be sure both your butter and cream cheese are well softened before mixing, and beat the frosting for several minutes to incorporate air. This creates a light texture that spreads easily without cracking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about the Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes it a delightful staple for any season or celebration. Baking and sharing these cookies fills the room with warmth and joy, making every moment sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own memories around these tender, frosted delights!
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 tender, soft, and perfectly sweet with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Lightly crisp edges and pale centers make these classic cookies ideal for any celebration or everyday treat. The dough is chilled for thicker, more flavorful cookies, then baked to soft perfection and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, which can be customized with gel food coloring and sprinkles for a festive touch.
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) pkg. 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 a full 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color, fluffy in texture, and smooth, creating a perfect base for the cookies.
- 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 ensure even mixing and a homogenous dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover or wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This firms the butter and helps reduce spreading, while enhancing flavor and texture for thicker, softer cookies.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the chilled dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour, cut shapes, and transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. If dough softens, chill cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until edges are set, centers look slightly soft and pale, and bottoms are just barely golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Add almond extract if using, and gel food coloring as desired.
- Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread frosting using an offset spatula in soft swirling motions, then decorate with colored frosting or festive sprinkles according to your preference.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and to improve flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies; slight underbaking ensures a tender texture.
- For best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese for frosting to achieve smooth consistency.
- Gel food coloring is recommended to avoid thinning the frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator if frosted, to maintain freshness.
