Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies

When it comes to sweet treats that evoke warm memories and smiles, few desserts can compete with the classic frosted soft sugar cookie. These cookies are not just soft and tender; they are also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. With their delicate sweetness and buttery flavor, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Plus, the fun of decorating them with colorful frosting and sprinkles makes baking these cookies a delightful experience for both kids and adults alike!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
• Customizable Frosting: The frosting can be tailored to any color or flavor, making these cookies suitable for any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making these cookies easy to whip up anytime.
• Fun for All Ages: Decorating these cookies is a fun activity for families and friends, creating lasting memories.

What to Buy

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened for the cookie dough and another ½ cup for the frosting.
• Canola or Vegetable Oil: ½ cup to enhance the cookie’s softness.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup for sweetness.
• Confectioners Sugar: 2½ cups total, ½ cup for the cookie dough and 2 cups for the frosting.
• Large Egg: 1 for binding the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for flavoring.
• Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon for added depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for the cookie base.
• Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon to help the cookies rise.
• Cream of Tartar: 1 teaspoon for a soft texture.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance sweetness.
• Milk or Cream: 2 to 3 tablespoons for the frosting consistency.
• Food Coloring: Optional, for vibrant frosting.
• Sprinkles: For decorating your cookies.

Tools of the Trade

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy sheet for baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Cookie Cutter: Optional, for shaping your cookies.
• Spatula: For frosting and spreading.

Mastering Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies: How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the canola or vegetable oil, followed by the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

If you wish to color your frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix well. Once your cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top and finish with sprinkles for a festive touch.

Make It Year-Round

• Holidays: Customize your frosting and sprinkles to match any holiday theme!
• Birthdays: Decorate with the birthday person’s favorite colors.
• Seasonal Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint for winter or citrus for summer.
• Party Treats: These cookies are perfect for gatherings, baby showers, or any celebration.

Notes on Ingredients

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your cookies, ensuring they turn out perfectly sweet. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the almond extract without losing much flavor. Also, feel free to substitute the canola or vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a different taste profile.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your frosted soft sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing the unfrosted cookies. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost as desired!

Reader Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.

What can I substitute for the almond extract?

You can replace almond extract with more vanilla extract or use a different flavor extract, such as lemon or orange, for a unique twist.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and the centers to look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes! You can freeze the frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it again.

Similar Recipes

• Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
• Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies

Final Bite

These frosted soft sugar cookies are the epitome of comfort and joy in the form of a sweet treat. Their tender texture paired with a creamy frosting creates a delightful indulgence that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your loved ones, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness that is frosted soft sugar cookies!