Easy Sugar Cookies and Sugar Cookie Frosting
A delightful recipe for easy sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with a creamy sugar cookie frosting.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened gives that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar for classic sweetness and structure.
- 1 large egg binds the dough and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract warms the flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour foundation for that soft crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder for a gentle lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness.
For the Sugar Cookie Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted smooth sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened creamy base.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream to reach spreadable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract flavor boost.
- Pinch salt optional, to round flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- For cut-outs: wrap the dough and chill 30 minutes. For drop cookies: no chill needed.
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut shapes, or scoop tablespoonfuls for rounds.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just set and bottoms are golden.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- Make the frosting by creaming butter and powdered sugar, then adding milk and vanilla until spreadable. Adjust thickness as needed.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar. Let set before stacking.
Notes
For healthier options, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. For variations, add lemon zest or spices to dough.