Description
Easy and delicious sugar cookies perfect for beginners. This recipe guarantees perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- For the Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, or your preferred thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet with the cookies into the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- For the Frosting: Combine powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl.
- Beat all frosting ingredients together until smooth and combined. Add more milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Notes
- If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt along with the flour and baking powder.
- Store frosted or unfrosted cookies in an airtight container 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. If iced, allow icing to set before layering with parchment paper and freezing in an airtight container. If frosted, flash freeze until frosting is firm, then layer with parchment paper and store in an airtight container.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Cookie dough can be refrigerated for 1-2 days or frozen for 1-2 months before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American