Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies with Buttercream

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 12, 2025

Sugar cookies are a beloved treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, birthdays, weddings, or just a cozy afternoon, these always perfect sugar cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Their soft, buttery texture and lightly sweet flavor make them ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or buttercream frosting.

But what makes a sugar cookie truly perfect? It’s all about the right balance of ingredients, proper chilling, and mastering the baking process. In this article, we’ll explore why these cookies work so well, expert baking tips, decorating ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why These Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Bake Recipe

1. They Hold Their Shape Perfectly

One of the biggest struggles with sugar cookies is spreading while baking. These cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cutting into fun shapes and decorating with precision.

2. Soft, Tender, and Delicious

Some sugar cookies turn out dry or too crisp, but this recipe ensures a soft, buttery bite with just the right amount of chew.

3. Ideal for Decorating

Whether you prefer classic buttercream frosting, royal icing, or a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies serve as the perfect blank canvas.

4. No Special Equipment Needed

Unlike some cookie recipes that require chilling overnight or rolling out ultra-thin dough, these cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and minimal tools.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are a staple for Christmas, Easter, Halloween, weddings, baby showers, and more. Change the shape, color, and decorations to fit the occasion.

Ingredients for Perfection

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise without leaving a metallic aftertaste.
Unsalted Butter: Offers a rich, creamy base; using high-quality butter enhances flavor.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, providing moisture and structure.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with a classic, aromatic flavor.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Unsalted Butter: Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for perfect spreadability.

Expert Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is a key ingredient in sugar cookies, use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. Lower-quality butter can lead to a greasy or bland cookie.

2. Measure Your Flour Correctly

Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly, while too little can make them spread too much. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately rather than scooping it directly from the bag.

3. Chill the Dough for Clean Shapes

Refrigerating the dough before rolling and cutting prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven. Chilled dough also makes it easier to handle and roll out evenly.

4. Roll the Dough Evenly

For uniform baking, use rolling pin rings or guides to keep the dough at an even thickness. About ¼-inch thick is ideal for soft cookies that still hold their shape.

5. Don’t Overbake

Sugar cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies.

6. Let Them Cool Before Decorating

Decorating cookies while they’re warm can cause the frosting to melt. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before adding any decorations.

Fun and Creative Ways to Decorate Sugar Cookies

1. Classic Buttercream Frosting

Buttercream frosting is soft, creamy, and perfect for spreading with a knife or piping with decorative tips. Add food coloring to match the theme of your event.

2. Royal Icing for Detailed Designs

Royal icing creates a smooth, professional finish and is great for intricate patterns. It dries hard, making cookies easy to stack and transport.

3. Sprinkles and Sanding Sugar

For a quick and easy decoration, sprinkle sugar cookies with colored sanding sugar before baking or press sprinkles into buttercream frosting.

4. Dipped in Chocolate

Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or coconut for an elegant look.

5. Stamped or Embossed Cookies

Use cookie stamps or embossed rolling pins to create beautiful patterns before baking. No need for extra decorations—just a dusting of powdered sugar after baking.

FAQs About Sugar Cookies

1. Why did my sugar cookies spread too much?

This is usually caused by:

Not chilling the dough before baking.
Too much butter or not enough flour in the dough.
Placing cookies too close together on the baking sheet.

To prevent spreading, always chill the dough, measure ingredients carefully, and use parchment paper or silicone baking mats instead of greased baking sheets.

2. How long do sugar cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, sugar cookies last up to 1 week. If decorated with royal icing, they may last even longer.

3. Can I freeze sugar cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze baked cookies before decorating. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s best to stick with real butter for the best texture and flavor. Margarine contains more water, which can make the dough too soft and affect how the cookies bake.

Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Keep a light dusting of flour on your rolling pin and work surface.
Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness for soft, sturdy cookies.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Sugar cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If it gets too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

7. How do I get my cookies the same size?

For uniform cookies:

Use a cookie scoop for drop-style cookies.
For cut-out cookies, use the same cookie cutter and roll the dough evenly.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still taste delicious.

There’s a reason sugar cookies have stood the test of time—they’re simple, versatile, and endlessly customizable. These always perfect sugar cookies deliver everything you want: a buttery flavor, a soft yet sturdy texture, and the ability to hold their shape while baking.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a fun baking project, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your home. With the right techniques and decorating ideas, you can turn these classic cookies into beautiful edible art that looks as good as it tastes.

So, the next time you need a go-to sugar cookie recipe, look no further. Bake, decorate, and enjoy—the perfect sugar cookie is just a batch away!

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies with Buttercream

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Author: Benjamin
Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
Yield: 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

These always perfect sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cut-out shapes and decorating. Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this recipe ensures a deliciously sweet and tender cookie every time. Pair them with buttercream frosting or royal icing for the ultimate homemade treat!

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise without leaving a metallic aftertaste.
Unsalted Butter: Offers a rich, creamy base; using high-quality butter enhances flavor.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, providing moisture and structure.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dough with a classic, aromatic flavor.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

- Unsalted Butter: Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for perfect spreadability.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and aluminum-free baking powder; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and kosher salt until light and silky in appearance.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture, continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.

2. Roll Out and Chill:

Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Place each portion between sheets of parchment paper and roll out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
Transfer the rolled dough, still sandwiched between parchment, to a baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking.

3. Cut and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once chilled, remove the top layer of parchment paper and use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Place the cut-out cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly puffy.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

5. Decorate the Cookies:

- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto each cookie.
- Decorate with sprinkles or other desired embellishments.
- Allow the frosting to set before storing or serving.