Name: Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil; 3/4 cup granulated white sugar (divided); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Nonstick cooking spray ((for baking sheets)); 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon almond extract; Sprinkles (for decorating, optional)

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Who doesn’t love a classic sugar cookie? They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies are always a hit! With a delightful frosting that can be customized for any theme, these cookies are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

The Upside of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit any occasion. You can choose different colors of frosting, vibrant sprinkles, or even themed decorations based on holidays or events. The dough comes together quickly, making it a perfect project for baking novices and seasoned bakers alike. Plus, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about rolling out dough and cutting it into shapes that makes this treat even more special.

What Goes Into Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
3/4 cup granulated white sugar, divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Nonstick cooking spray (for baking sheets)
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
3/4 teaspoon almond extract (for frosting)
Sprinkles for decorating, optional

Tools of the Trade

To make your cookie-making experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools:

Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
Electric mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless.
Cookie cutters – Choose your favorite shapes for fun cookie designs.
Baking sheets – Ensure even baking; line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Spatula – Perfect for transferring cookies to and from the baking sheets.
Whisk – For mixing dry ingredients and frosting.

Stepwise Method: Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter (3/4 cup), sifted powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top of each cookie. Feel free to get creative with sprinkles or other decorations!

Fresh Takes Through the Year

You can easily adapt Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies for various occasions with a few creative twists:

Halloween: Use orange and black frosting and decorate with spooky sprinkles.
Christmas: Add peppermint extract to the frosting and use red and green decorations.
Valentine’s Day: Opt for pink frosting and heart-shaped sprinkles.
Birthday Parties: Use bright colors and fun themed sprinkles to match your party decor.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also forgiving. If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, simply add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency. Remember, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help if you prefer a more controlled cookie shape. The flavor of almond extract adds a wonderful depth, but feel free to use just vanilla if you prefer a more traditional flavor.

Shelf Life & Storage

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and frost as desired!

Ask the Chef

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Unsalted butter provides the best results for flavor and softness.

What can I substitute for the almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can simply use additional vanilla extract or even a splash of coconut extract for a different flavor profile.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I decorate the cookies before baking?

Yes! You can sprinkle colored sugar or decorations on the cookies before baking for a fun twist, though the decorations will be less pronounced than with frosting afterward.

Keep Cooking

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to try, check out these links:

Sally’s Baking Addiction – Discover mouthwatering desserts and baking tips.
Pinch of Yum – Explore a variety of delicious and easy recipes.
Minimalist Baker – Find simple, plant-based recipes for every occasion.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies that are not only simple to make but also a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of soft cookies with creamy frosting creates a magical experience with every bite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations and flavors. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of fresh cookies!