Description
Soft sugar cookies are a delightful treat known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles to match the celebration.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Roll and Cut:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each.
- Decorate:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
- Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
- Allow the frosting to set before storing or serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft longer, place a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
Yield: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the frosting colors and decorations to match the theme of your event or holiday.