Frosted Sugar Cookies
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There’s something about soft, chewy sugar cookies that just screams comfort, right? I absolutely love whipping up this recipe whenever I want to add a little sweetness to my day. The best part? You can make these cookies quickly, with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, the royal icing gives them that beautiful, glossy finish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering. I often find myself making a batch when I’m feeling a bit nostalgic for childhood treats. And let me tell you, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is pure magic.
Why You’ll Love Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, making every bite feel like a warm hug. You’ll love how they practically melt in your mouth!
- Sweet Royal Icing Finish: The glaze of royal icing adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful touch, turning each cookie into a little work of art.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have these delightful cookies ready in no time. They’re great for those last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests!
- Fun for Everyone: Decorating these cookies is a blast! Whether you’re baking with kids or just unleashing your inner artist, it’s a joyful experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These sugar cookies are versatile enough for any celebration—birthdays, holidays, or just because! They bring a festive vibe to any gathering.
Ingredients Needed To Make Frosted Sugar Cookies
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Egg
- Almond extract
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cream of tartar
- 1.1 GF Flour or all purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Oat milk
- Light corn syrup
Substitutions + Alternatives
Can I use All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, All-Purpose Flour can be used. Use the same amount that is listed in the ingredients, but swap with all purpose.
Can I use regular dairy?
Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy products of your choice for the recipe.
Get all the best baking tips!
Wondering how in the world to get the BEST bake every time? We’ve laid it all out for you.
Note: While almond milk is an option, it is less preferred due to its liquid consistency. Consider opting for a milk alternative with a thicker texture.
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and almond extract.
- Add the remaining ingredients and combine everything until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill it in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut out shapes.
- Bake the cookies until lightly golden, then let them cool completely.
- Prepare the icing and pipe it onto the cooled cookies.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
These cookies can stay fresh for about a week if stored properly. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever you crave them. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting out shapes.
How should I store the frosted cookies?
Once the royal icing is set, store the frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. This will help prevent the frosting from sticking to other cookies and ruining the design.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cookies a few days in advance. Just wait until they’re completely cooled before frosting them, and then store them as mentioned above. This way, they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you are!
What’s the best way to pipe the royal icing?
To achieve a smooth and even look, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for precise detailing. You can also use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off if you don’t have a piping bag. Just practice a little, and you’ll get the hang of it!
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- cookie cutters
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 ½ cups 1.1 GF flour or all purpose flour
Royal Icing
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp oat milk
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
Instructions
Sugar Cookies
- Add the butter and sugar to a bowl and mix for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Transfer dough to plastic wrap and wrap tightly. Allow to refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Remove dough from plastic wrap and roll out to 1/4" thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out your shapes and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 6-9 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Royal Icing
- Mix all of the ingredients together and until smooth and creamy.
- Pipe onto cooled cookies.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
I hope you give these sugar cookies a try—they’re such a joy to make and even better to eat! Whether you’re decorating them for a holiday or just enjoying them as a sweet treat, they’re bound to bring a smile. I always find myself sneaking a few before they even hit the table! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!
