Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Sweet, Elegant Treat

Frosted sugar cookies are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. Soft, buttery, and topped with a rich, smooth frosting, these cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. The delicate flavors of vanilla and almond come together to create a cookie that’s both comforting and delightful. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite sprinkles or colored icing for a fun, festive touch!

For more delightful cookie recipes, check out these articles:

• How to Make Perfect Sugar Cookies
• The Best Frosting for Sugar Cookies

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delicious Frosted Sugar Cookies, with soft centers and a perfectly sweet frosting topping.

Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Festive

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including cooling time)
• Yield: 24-30 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Frosted Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery cookies topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. The cookies are rich in flavor, thanks to a mix of vanilla and almond extracts, while the frosting adds a sweet, smooth finish. Decorated with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

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For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1–1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• Assorted colored sprinkles, optional

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Make the Cookie Dough:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until smooth and well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Shape the Cookies:
• Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Flatten the cookie dough balls slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
• Bake the Cookies:
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the Frosting:
• In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, shortening, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Frost the Cookies:
• Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.
• Decorate with Sprinkles:
• If desired, sprinkle the frosted cookies with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Serve:
• Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing. Enjoy your Frosted Sugar Cookies with a cup of milk or as a sweet treat for any occasion!

Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or colored frosting to match any event or holiday theme.

If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Frosted Sugar Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a soft, tender texture.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for a deliciously fragrant base.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Roll and Cut the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
6. Bake: Place the cut-out cookie shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake and lose their soft texture.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important for the cookies to cool completely before frosting them.
8. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk, beating until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
9. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the frosting generously over each cookie. For extra fun, add colored sprinkles or any other decoration you like.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving or storing the cookies. These frosted sugar cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event!

Advanced Techniques

Elevate your frosted sugar cookies with these advanced techniques to make them stand out even more:

1. Add Flavor Variations to the Frosting

You can infuse your frosting with different flavors. Consider adding lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy twist. For a richer flavor, you can even mix in a teaspoon of maple extract or a dash of cinnamon.

2. Use Royal Icing for Decorating

Instead of frosting the cookies with buttercream, you can use royal icing, which gives a smoother, more polished finish. Royal icing is ideal for detailed piping work and will harden after drying, allowing you to stack the cookies without damaging the design.

3. Experiment with Shapes

While classic round cookies are always delicious, you can get creative with shapes. Use fun cookie cutters to make heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day, star-shaped cookies for the holidays, or even festive seasonal shapes like pumpkins or Christmas trees.

4. Make It a Cookie Decorating Party

If you’re making these frosted sugar cookies for a group, set up a cookie decorating station. Offer various colored sprinkles, edible glitter, colored sugars, and different types of frosting so everyone can decorate their own cookies with their personal touch.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your frosted sugar cookies. Here’s how to keep them in top condition:

Storage

Store your frosted sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay soft and fresh as long as they’re kept sealed. Make sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or store leftovers for longer, you can freeze both the cookies and the frosting. To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. The cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you want to freeze the frosting, transfer it to a sealed container, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to frost the cookies, simply thaw the frosting and beat it to smooth consistency before applying.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Here are some substitutions to cater to different dietary needs and preferences:

Gluten-Free Version

To make gluten-free frosted sugar cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum, which will help mimic the texture of traditional flour.

Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version of these cookies, use dairy-free butter and shortening substitutes, such as margarine or coconut oil. For the frosting, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond milk or any other plant-based milk.

Sugar-Free Version

To make these cookies lower in sugar, substitute the sugar in the dough with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use powdered sugar alternatives for the frosting.

Egg-Free Version

If you need to make the cookies egg-free, you can replace the eggs with egg substitutes such as unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter for both the cookie dough and the frosting. However, butter provides a richer flavor, so the cookies may taste slightly different.

2. Can I freeze frosted sugar cookies?

Yes, you can freeze frosted sugar cookies. Just make sure the frosting is completely set before stacking the cookies in an airtight container. For best results, freeze the cookies for no longer than 2-3 months.

3. Can I use a different extract in the dough?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can replace the almond extract with lemon or orange extract. For a more complex flavor, try hazelnut or coconut extract.

4. How can I make these cookies more colorful?

To make your frosted sugar cookies more colorful, use food coloring in the frosting or colored sprinkles. You can also add edible glitter for a bit of sparkle!

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frosted sugar cookies are a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds and brighten up any gathering. With the buttery dough, rich frosting, and fun toppings, these cookies are a delightful way to showcase your baking skills. Plus, they’re easily customizable to suit any dietary needs or flavor preferences.