Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with vanilla frosting and sprinkles. Ideal for celebrations or sweet cravings.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cookies

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Frosting

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 3 cups powdered sugar
12 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Pinch salt
15 - Food coloring, optional
16 - Sprinkles, optional

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the creamed mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
05 - Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and make shaping easier.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Scoop 2-tablespoon amounts of dough, shape into balls, and arrange 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
08 - Gently press each dough ball to 1/2-inch thickness using your palm or the bottom of a glass.
09 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking for a soft texture.
10 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and blend. Mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until frosting becomes smooth and fluffy. Incorporate food coloring if desired.
12 - Spread a generous amount of frosting atop each cooled cookie. Decorate with sprinkles. Allow frosting to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These sugar cookies use easy-to-find pantry ingredients
  • The recipe only needs one bowl for the wet mix which means less cleanup
  • Chilling the dough makes shaping a breeze and guarantees cookies that hold their softness
  • The vanilla frosting is creamy and customizable with colors and toppings
  • You can make ahead and freeze for future sweet cravings
02 -
  • These cookies stay fresh and soft for several days
  • Freezer friendly for up to two months
  • Works for most occasions since you can change colors and sprinkles easily
  • Frosting helps lock in moisture so cookies never go dry
03 -
  • Let the butter and eggs come to room temperature for the smoothest dough
  • Always use parchment paper for an easy lift off and perfect bottoms
  • If your frosting feels thick add cream a tablespoon at a time until it spreads like silk
  • My kids love to help with the sprinkles but if you want neat edges frost with an offset spatula and chill before decorating

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