The Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipes

Frosted sugar cookies are a sweet and delightful treat enjoyed by many, especially during the holiday season. These cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a smooth, colourful frosting that adds both flavour and fun.

They can be decorated in countless ways, making them perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Whether it’s a simple swirl of icing or elaborate designs, frosted sugar cookies bring joy to both the baker and the eater.

Why You’ll Love Frosted Sugar Cookies

• Sweet and Simple: Frosted sugar cookies are a classic treat that combines a soft, buttery flavour with lovely, colourful frosting, making them irresistible to all ages.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or casual get-together, these cookies add a festive touch and are ideal for sharing with friends and family.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients. It’s a fun and easy baking project, even for beginners.

Ingredient Notes for Frosted Sugar Cookies

To make delicious frosted sugar cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure and texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, ensuring they have a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking powder: Works together with baking soda to provide extra lift and softness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies, making them melt in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, giving the cookies their characteristic sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, helping it come together and roll out easily.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) until combined.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
8. Cut the Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet.
9. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before frosting.
11. Frost: Once the cookies have cooled, frost them with your desired buttercream frosting and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Frosted Sugar Cookies Variation

You can easily customize frosted sugar cookies by changing the flavour, texture, or frosting. Here are some ideas:

• Flavor Variations: Add different extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to the dough for a unique twist. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or sprinkle in some cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Cookie Shapes: While classic round shapes are popular, try using cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or even holiday-themed designs.
• Frosting Styles: Use royal icing for detailed decorations, or opt for buttercream for a softer, creamier texture. You can also try fondant for smooth, sleek finishes.
• Colourful Additions: Try adding food colouring to the frosting or sprinkling edible glitter or small candies for a fun, festive touch.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookies

Serving frosted sugar cookies is simple but adds an extra level of fun when presented in creative ways:

• As a party treat, arrange your frosted cookies on a colourful platter. Add some decorative napkins and a festive drink, and your table is ready for guests.
• Gifts: Frosted sugar cookies make great homemade gifts. Package them in a beautiful box with some ribbon for a personal touch.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or any time you want to impress with a delicious homemade treat.
• With a Beverage: Pair them with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a sweet tea for a perfect snack.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your frosted sugar cookies stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep the frosting intact and prevent the cookies from drying out.
• Freezing: If you want to store cookies for a more extended period, freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Separate Layers: If you’re stacking the cookies, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between the layers to prevent the frosting from sticking to them.

FAQs About Frosted Sugar Cookies