Easy Sugar Cookies
Delightfully soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with creamy frosting, perfect for decorating and sharing.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2.5 cups 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Sift before measuring for a lighter cookie.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking powder Gives a gentle lift.
- 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) Can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar is optional for a deeper note.
- 1 1 large egg Binds and enriches the dough.
- 1.5 teaspoons 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Classic warmth; try almond extract for a different profile.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons milk Use almond or oat milk as a healthy option.
For the Frosting
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2.5-3 cups 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons 1 to 2 tablespoons milk Or enough to reach spreadable consistency.
- Food coloring and sprinkles Optional for festive touches.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional but helpful).
Baking
- Lightly flour your surface and roll dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are just golden. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Frosting
- To make the frosting, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy, then gradually add 2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting, add sprinkles or piped designs, and let the frosting set slightly before stacking.
Notes
For perfect edges, chill the dough and avoid overbaking for soft, tender bites. Use room-temperature ingredients for even blending.