Description
These perfect sugar cookies are soft, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With hints of vanilla and almond extracts, these classic cookies are ideal for any occasion and come together easily with simple ingredients. The dough chills overnight for optimal texture, then baked to your preferred softness and finished with a smooth, creamy frosting that can be tinted with food coloring for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup Butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- Food Coloring (Optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy for about one minute. Add sugar and continue beating for about two minutes until well combined and fluffy. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour or ideally overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on preference. For softer cookies, bake closer to eight minutes; for a firmer texture, bake up to eleven minutes. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight improves flavor and dough firmness, making it easier to roll and cut shapes.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Adjust baking time according to preference for softer or crisper cookies.
- Food coloring in the frosting can add fun and seasonal colors.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Keywords: sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, classic cookies, holiday cookies, vanilla almond cookies, soft cookies, cookie cutters