Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something irresistibly charming about soft frosted sugar cookies. These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, with a soft, cakey base complemented by a smooth, buttery frosting. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies never fail to impress. With their classic pink vanilla buttercream frosting and cheerful sprinkles, they evoke nostalgia while adding a fun pop of color to any dessert spread. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making these delightful cookies, from gathering the ingredients to enjoying that first bite. You’ll also find helpful tips for customizing the recipe, storing the cookies, and serving them with flair.

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The Appeal of Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Soft frosted sugar cookies are a classic American dessert that has stood the test of time. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday feast, or an afternoon tea. The combination of a soft, tender cookie and a rich, creamy frosting is a winning one, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both comforting and indulgent. The frosting is customizable, allowing you to add a burst of color and creativity. The sprinkles add the perfect finishing touch, giving these cookies a playful and festive vibe.

What makes these cookies truly special is their soft texture. Unlike crispy or crunchy cookies, these sugar cookies have a cakey consistency that gives each bite a light, airy quality. The dough itself is rich with flavor, with subtle hints of vanilla and almond extract that bring a depth of taste to each cookie. The frosting, on the other hand, is creamy, buttery, and just sweet enough to complement the cookies without overpowering them.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions to create these delectable treats.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for these soft frosted sugar cookies are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The butter is the base of the dough, providing richness and flavor. It should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: The granulated sugar sweetens the dough, giving the cookies a crisp outer edge while keeping the center soft.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar adds a light, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies and helps create that smooth texture.
• 1 egg (room temperature): The egg acts as a binder, helping the ingredients come together and giving the cookies structure.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A little oil in the dough contributes to the soft, tender texture of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract brings a warm, comforting flavor to the dough.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour is the main structure-building ingredient in the dough, providing the foundation for the cookies.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Cornstarch helps create a soft, light texture, ensuring that the cookies are tender rather than dense.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder gives the cookies lift, making them soft and puffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the other flavors.

For the frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): The butter in the frosting creates a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just like in the cookie dough, vanilla extract adds a sweet, aromatic note to the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons milk: Milk helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting, making it spreadable and smooth.
• ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the frosting and balances the sweetness.
• Pink or red food coloring (optional): A few drops of food coloring give the frosting a cheerful, pink hue. Feel free to skip this or use other colors if you prefer.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is the base of the frosting, providing sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture.
• Sprinkles (optional): Colorful sprinkles add a fun, festive touch to the cookies and make them even more irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making soft frosted sugar cookies is a simple yet rewarding process. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to be enjoyed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, tender cookie, so make sure to beat the butter and sugar well.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the butter mixture is creamy, add the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all ingredients are incorporated.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Beat on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
5. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball into a smooth ball, about 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Place the dough balls onto the lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the base of a drinking glass to gently flatten each dough ball into a round shape.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook on the hot cookie sheet once they’re removed from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of the stand mixer, beat the softened butter until it becomes pale and creamy. Add the milk, vanilla extract, salt, and food coloring (if using). Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined.
8. Finish the Frosting: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until it’s fully incorporated before adding the next cup. Once all the powdered sugar has been added, turn the speed up to high and beat for about 1 minute, or until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy.
9. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting over the top of each cookie using an offset spatula or butter knife. If you prefer, you can pipe the frosting onto the cookies for a more decorative look. Add sprinkles on top for an extra burst of color and texture.
10. Enjoy: Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy! These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they’re sure to be a hit at any occasion.

Customization Tips

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are many ways to customize these soft frosted sugar cookies to suit your taste:

• Flavor Variations: Try adding a little lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist, or experiment with different extracts like hazelnut or maple to create unique flavor profiles.
• Frosting Flavors: If you’d like to change up the frosting, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to create different flavor variations.
• Decorating Ideas: While sprinkles are a classic choice, you can also decorate these cookies with colorful sanding sugar, edible glitter, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later. To keep them fresh:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
• If you want to freeze these cookies, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let the cookies sit at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

Conclusion

Soft frosted sugar cookies are a timeless treat that everyone can enjoy. With their pillowy texture, rich frosting, and festive sprinkles, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll create cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these soft frosted sugar cookies that will bring smiles to everyone’s face!