Description
This easy sugar cookie recipe features soft, buttery cookies topped with a smooth, sweet icing perfect for decorating. Ideal for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or just a delightful treat, these classic sugar cookies bake to a tender crumb and pair beautifully with customizable frosting that can be colored and adorned with sprinkles or candies.
Ingredients
Scale
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
Sugar Cookie Frosting
- 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted (weigh before sifting)
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (whole milk recommended, any kind works)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Additional candies and sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, continuing to mix until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture, mixing just until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and make rolling easier.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Shape the cookies: Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk (starting with 3 tablespoons), light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired spreadable consistency.
- Color and decorate frosting: If desired, divide the frosting into portions and add gel food coloring to each to create different colors. Spread the frosting on cooled cookies using a knife or piping bag and decorate with candies or sprinkles as you like.
- Set the icing: Allow the iced cookies to sit at room temperature until the frosting is set, which usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on thickness. Store the cookies in an airtight container afterward.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt levels precisely.
- The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of both the dough and the frosting—pure vanilla extract is recommended for best taste.
- Light corn syrup in the frosting gives it a shiny finish and helps it set smoothly.
- You can customize these cookies with your favorite colors and decorations to suit any occasion.
- For firmer cookies, chill the dough longer before baking.
Keywords: sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, cookie recipe, icing recipe, decorated cookies, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies