Description
This No Fail Sugar Cookies recipe delivers tender, buttery cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make, rolled out and cut into fun shapes, then baked to golden perfection. They can be frosted with a simple homemade frosting or any icing of your choice, making them versatile and delightful for holidays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, room temperature
Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness or thicker if preferred. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
- Chill Dough: Place the shaped cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk or powdered sugar to reach your preferred consistency.
- Frost Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, frost them with the prepared frosting or any icing of your choice.
Notes
- If you prefer to use unsalted butter, add 1/4 tsp salt when mixing the flour and baking powder into the dough.
- Store the cookies, frosted or unfrosted, in an airtight container or Ziplock bag at room temperature for 4-5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
- Freeze plain or iced cookies for up to 3 months. For iced cookies, let the icing set before layering with parchment paper and storing in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the freezer.
- To freeze frosted cookies, flash freeze them on a baking sheet until the frosting is firm, then layer with parchment paper in an airtight container or Ziplock bag and freeze.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
- Sugar cookie dough can be refrigerated for 1-2 days before rolling and baking or frozen for 1-2 months in an airtight container or Ziplock bag.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
