There's nothing quite like the sweet satisfaction of biting into a perfectly baked, soft, frosted sugar cookie. The creamy frosting melts in your mouth, while the cookie offers a tender, slightly crumbly texture that's just right. The flavor is a delicate blend of sweet and buttery, with a hint of vanilla that ties everything together.
These cookies are more than just a treat; they're a tradition. Baking frosted sugar cookies at home brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It’s a great way to create memories with loved ones, and the end product is a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will love.
The best part about this recipe is the super easy sugar cookie dough that gives perfect results every single time. It’s the recipe I use for all my cookies, including these snowflake cookies and Christmas tree cookies that are perfect for the holidays!
This frosted sugar cookies recipe is super easy to follow along, and even beginners can make it with ease. Trust me, you need to try it and it’ll become your new go-to cookie recipe!
Want to learn how to make this frosted sugar cookie recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What are Frosted Sugar Cookies?
- What Makes This Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies at Home
- How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- The Best Frosted Sugar Cookies (Perfect for Holidays!)
- Comments
What are Frosted Sugar Cookies?
Frosted sugar cookies are a classic treat that everyone loves! The recipe involves a simple sugar cookie dough, cut into shapes using a cookie cutter, baked to perfection, and then topped with a generous layer of sweet, creamy frosting.
The base of the cookies is what matters the most, and we’ll be using my homemade sugar cookie dough recipe that I’ve been using for decades and gives beautiful, foolproof sugar cookies every single time.
The frosting is the most delicious one ever and has a cream cheese base that adds a delicious tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sugar cookies. These treats are perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion when you want to serve something everyone will love.
The best part is that you can customize the color of the frosting and even the decorations according to the season and occasion. Change up the colors, add some sprinkles on top, and serve it however you like. Kids also love serving make these!
What Makes This Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe Special?
- Easy to Make: The recipe for these soft frosted sugar cookies is surprisingly simple. With an easy homemade sugar cookie dough base, you'll have a batch of cookies ready to bake in no time.
- Family-Favorite: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. The soft texture and sweet frosting make them a beloved treat that families look forward to year-round, not just at Christmas.
- Versatile: This sugar cookie recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use any shape of cookie cutter you like, and decorate with different colors of cream cheese frosting and sprinkles to create a variety of fun and festive designs. They’ll work great for Valentine’s Day too!
- Delicious: The secret ingredients in this recipe give these cookies an irresistible flavor that's both sweet and slightly tangy, thanks to the cream cheese frosting. They're the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and creamy.
What You Need to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this frosted sugar cookies recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough: For the frosted sugar cookie dough, we'll be using my secret sugar cookie dough recipe that guarantees a soft and delicious cookie every time.
For the Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: This is the star of our frosting recipe. It gives your frosting a rich and creamy texture and a tangy taste that perfectly compliments the sweetness of the cookies.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe, as it adds a lovely buttery flavor to the frosting. It also provides a smooth consistency that makes it easy to spread on your cookies.
- Pure Vanilla and Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon of this extract enhances the flavor of your frosting, giving it a sweet, aromatic taste that pairs perfectly with cream cheese and butter.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt is all you need to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar in the frosting. It also enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: This is the sweet component of our frosting. It dissolves easily into the butter and cream cheese, creating a smooth and creamy texture. It also helps to stiffen the frosting, making it easier to decorate your cookies.
- Food Gel Color or Colorful Sugar: This is optional but it adds a fun and festive touch to your cookies. You can choose any color you like, just make sure to mix it well into the frosting to achieve a uniform color.
How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Making these incredible frosted sugar cookies is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
Starts by making the cookie dough. Begin by evenly dividing your cookie dough into two portions. Place each of these portions onto a silicone baking mat that has been lightly dusted with purpose flour. This prevents the dough from sticking to the surface.
Next, grab your rolling pin (also lightly floured) and start rolling the dough out until it is around ¼-inch in thickness. If you find your dough sticking to the rolling pin, don't hesitate to sprinkle on more flour.
Once your dough is rolled out, it is time to bring out your favorite cookie cutters. Press these into the dough to create your desired shapes. Any remaining dough can be re-rolled and cut until you've used it all up. Don't forget to do the same with the second piece of dough.
After shaping your cookies, arrange them on a baking sheet. Make sure there's a gap of about 2 - 3 inches between each cookie to prevent them from merging while baking.
How to Bake Your Sugar Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375 ℉ and bake your cookies for around 8 minutes, or until you notice a light brown hue around the edges.
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
It is important to let them cool down before decorating to guarantee that your frosting doesn't melt off.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Now, let's move onto the cream cheese frosting. Begin by beating your cream cheese and unsalted butter (at room temperature) until they're smooth. Scrape down the sides of your bowl often and continue beating to make sure that everything is perfectly incorporated.
Next, add your vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar to the mixture. Start mixing on a low speed until the powdered sugar is moistened. Once done, increase the speed and continue beating until your frosting is smooth and creamy in texture.
If you want colored frosting, add your desired amount of food coloring gel to the mix. For multiple colors, divide your frosting into different bowls before adding the food coloring.
To decorate your cookies, scoop your frosting into a piping bag with a large circle attachment. Pipe the frosting onto your cookies in any form you desire. Dip cookies into colorful sugar.
Finally, place your decorated cookies in the refrigerator for the frosting to set and slightly dry. This not only helps the frosting to harden but also enhances the overall taste and texture of your cookies.
Your homemade frosted sugar cookies are ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Best Frosted Sugar Cookies Ever
- Chill your dough: Before rolling and cutting, make sure that your cookie dough is chilled. This helps to firm up the butter within it, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Flour your tools: Use a light dusting of flour on your rolling pin and cookie cutter to prevent sticking. This will make cutting out your shapes much easier.
- Monitor your bake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they're in the oven. They should be lightly browned around the edges, but not too dark - this will give them the perfect texture.
- Let cookies cool: Allow your cookies to cool completely before decorating. This will help guarantee that your frosting doesn't melt and your decorations stay in place.
- Color your frosting: Add a few drops of gel food coloring to your cream cheese frosting for a fun and festive touch. Divide your frosting into bowls and create a rainbow of colors.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts in your dough and frosting. Almond extract can give a lovely twist to the traditional sugar cookie taste.
Serving Suggestions for Frosted Sugar Cookies
- For a fun and interactive dessert, serve these frosted sugar cookies at a cookie decorating party. Guests can enjoy personalizing their cookies with different colors of frosting and a variety of sprinkles.
- Pair these sweet treats with a cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat. The rich chocolate flavor perfectly compliments the sweetness of the cookies.
- Frosted sugar cookies make a beautiful and delicious centerpiece at any holiday gathering. Arrange them on a platter in the center of your table for a festive touch.
- If you're hosting a children's party, these cookies are the perfect treat. Kids will love the vibrant colors and sweet taste, and they can even help decorate!
- Enjoy these cookies as a sweet finish to a casual dinner. The soft texture and sweet frosting make for a perfect palate cleanser.
- These frosted sugar cookies can also be a sweet surprise in your kids' lunchboxes. Just pack them in an airtight container to keep them fresh till lunchtime.
- For a unique dessert, try serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cookies.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Frosted Sugar Cookies
This delicious frosted sugar cookies recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
- Almond Flavor: For a nutty twist, replace the vanilla extract in the cookie dough with almond extract. This gives the cookies a delicate almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
- Coffee Infused: Love coffee? Add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules into the cookie dough. The subtle coffee flavor gives the cookies a unique taste that coffee lovers will surely appreciate.
- Christmas Flavors: Make your cookies holiday-ready by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cookie dough. These spices give the cookies a warm, festive flavor that's perfect for Christmas.
- Sprinkles: If you're baking with kids, this variation is a must-try. Add a handful of colorful sprinkles into the cookie dough before rolling and cutting. The sprinkles add a fun pop of color and a slight crunch to the cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The secret ingredients to achieving a soft texture for these cookies are the cream cheese and unsalted butter. They should be at room temperature before you start mixing to guarantee that they blend well with the other ingredients.
Yes, you can use a hand mixer if you don't have a stand mixer. Just make sure to mix the ingredients well until you get a smooth and even cookie dough.
Definitely! While cream cheese frosting adds a delicious flavor to the cookies, you can also use royal icing or buttercream. You can even add sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, including Christmas! You can use Christmas-themed cookie cutters and food coloring to make them festive. Also, check out my Christmas cookies recipe for more fun ideas!
How to Store Leftover Frosted Sugar Cookies
Refrigerating: To store, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookies from sticking together. The cookies should be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, if you need to store them for a longer period, place the airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week in the fridge.:
Freezing: Frosted sugar cookies can be frozen, but there's a trick to it. Freeze the cookies and the frosting separately. The texture of the frosting can change if it's frozen directly on the cookies. To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. The frosting can be stored in a separate airtight container and frozen for up to 3 months as well.
Thawing: To defrost the cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Once the cookies have thawed, you can frost them. Allow the frosting to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cookies.
Similar Recipes You'll Love
- The Perfect Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough (Ready in 10 Mins!)
- The Best Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies (Easy Festive Recipe)
- Snowflake Cookies with Royal Icing (Easy Christmas Cookies)
See all the cookie recipes.
Recipe Card
The Best Frosted Sugar Cookies (Perfect for Holidays!)
Ingredients
For the Frosted Sugar Cookies Dough
- We will be using my homemade sugar cookie dough recipe to make the cookies.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz. – softened cream cheese
- 4 oz. – softened butter
- 1 tsp. – vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. - almond extract
- ¼ tsp. – sea salt
- 3.5 cups – powdered sugar
- Colorful sugar for dusting
Instructions
How to Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
- Starts by making the homemade sugar cookie dough. Begin by evenly dividing your cookie dough into two portions. Place each of these portions onto a silicone baking mat that has been lightly dusted with purpose flour. This prevents the dough from sticking to the surface.
- Next, grab your rolling pin (also lightly floured) and start rolling the dough out until it is around ¼-inch in thickness. If you find your dough sticking to the rolling pin, don't hesitate to sprinkle on more flour.
- Once your dough is rolled out, it is time to bring out your favorite cookie cutters. Press these into the dough to create your desired shapes. Any remaining dough can be re-rolled and cut until you've used it all up. Don't forget to do the same with the second piece of dough.
- After shaping your cookies, arrange them on a baking sheet. Make sure there's a gap of about 2 - 3 inches between each cookie to prevent them from merging while baking.
How to Bake Your Sugar Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375 ℉ and bake your cookies for around 8 minutes, or until you notice a light brown hue around the edges.
- After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- It is important to let them cool down before decorating to guarantee that your frosting doesn't melt off.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Now, let's move onto the cream cheese frosting. Begin by beating your cream cheese and unsalted butter (at room temperature) until they're smooth. Scrape down the sides of your bowl often and continue beating to make sure that everything is perfectly incorporated.
- Next, add your vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and powdered sugar to the mixture. Start mixing on a low speed until the powdered sugar is moistened. Once done, increase the speed and continue beating until your frosting is smooth and creamy in texture.
- If you want colored frosting, add your desired amount of food coloring gel to the mix. For multiple colors, divide your frosting into different bowls before adding the food coloring.
- To decorate your cookies, scoop your frosting into a piping bag with a large circle attachment. Pipe the frosting onto your cookies in any form you desire. Dip cookies into colorful sugar.
- Finally, place your decorated cookies in the refrigerator for the frosting to set and slightly dry. This not only helps the frosting to harden but also enhances the overall taste and texture of your cookies.
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