Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

The moment I think of Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air. Every holiday and family gathering was made special with these delicious treats. My family had a tradition where we would gather around the kitchen table, laughter echoing as we rolled dough into perfect little balls. It wasn’t just about baking; it was about creating memories and sharing joy with loved ones. The excitement of decorating each cookie with vibrant sprinkles and frosting made it feel like a celebration. Even today, I whip up a batch whenever I need a little pick-me-up or want to spread some sweetness to those around me.

Ingredients Overview for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

When it comes to baking Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies, the beauty lies in the simplicity and harmony of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring the cookies are soft, chewy, and utterly delightful. From the rich buttery flavor to the sweetness of sugar, these ingredients come together to create a delectable treat that everyone loves.

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 3/4 cups – This is the backbone of the cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon – This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a perfect texture.
• Cream of Tartar: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a subtle tang and contributes to the cookie’s overall softness.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened – Brings richness and moisture to the cookies.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: 1/2 cup – Adds moisture and helps create a tender cookie.
• Granulated White Sugar: 3/4 cup, divided – Sweetens the dough and gives cookies a slight crispness.
• Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup – Used in the frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
• Large Egg: 1 – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – A classic flavor that enhances the cookies.
• Almond Extract: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a delightful nutty flavor, complementing the vanilla.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking sheet, ensuring easy release of the cookies.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: 3 tablespoons – Used in the frosting to achieve the desired consistency.
• Sprinkles: Optional – For decorating and adding a fun, festive look to the cookies.

Cooking Method for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

Baking these Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started! Here’s how to make these scrumptious cookies step by step.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure it’s fully heated before you bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of the granulated white sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be light in color and fluffy.
4. Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined thoroughly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
6. Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the dough into approximately 24 balls, each about 2 tablespoons. Make sure they’re uniform in size for even baking.
7. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading during baking.
8. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar onto a small plate. Spray the bottom of a drinking glass with nonstick cooking spray, then press it into the sugar to coat.
9. Press the sugared glass gently onto each cookie dough ball to flatten slightly, re-coating the glass in sugar as needed to prevent sticking.
10. Bake the cookies for 8 minutes. They should be light in color and soft in the center; that’s perfectly fine! The cookies will firm up as they cool.
11. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
12. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well combined.
13. Slowly stream in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add more cream. If too thin, incorporate a little more sugar.
14. Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a butter knife to spread the frosting over the tops generously. Add sprinkles on top for that extra pop of color!
15. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some expert tips and ideas to elevate your Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies experience:

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Variations: Experiment with different flavor extracts like lemon or orange for a unique twist.
• Decorating: Allow kids to decorate with their favorite toppings for a fun activity.
• Batch Baking: Consider doubling the recipe for parties or gatherings; they’ll go fast!

Serving Ideas for Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

When it comes to serving Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them:

• Perfect for Parties: Serve these cookies at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or any celebration to impress your guests.
• Accompanied by Beverages: Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a delightful snack experience.
• Festive Gift Baskets: Include these cookies in homemade gift baskets for friends or neighbors during holidays.
• Seasonal Themes: Use seasonal sprinkles and colors to match different holidays or events, making them more festive.
• Lunchbox Treats: These cookies make a wonderful addition to school lunches or picnics, loved by kids and adults alike.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies are not just a treat but a way to share joy and memories with loved ones. Their delightful taste and simple preparation make them a staple in every kitchen. I encourage you to try baking these cookies; you won’t be disappointed! They’re perfect for any occasion, and I promise they will create lasting smiles for everyone who enjoys them.

Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Frosted Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and irresistibly frosted treats. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings and are a lot of fun to make. Whether for a celebration or a simple snack, you'll want to bake these tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
• 3/4 cup Granulated White Sugar divided
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1 can Nonstick Cooking Spray
• 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 3 cups Powdered Sugar sifted
• 3 tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 teaspoon Almond Extract
• Sprinkles for decorating, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Make sure it’s fully heated before you bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
• In another bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of the granulated white sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be light in color and fluffy.
• Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined thoroughly.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the dough into approximately 24 balls, each about 2 tablespoons. Make sure they’re uniform in size for even baking.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading during baking.
• Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar onto a small plate. Spray the bottom of a drinking glass with nonstick cooking spray, then press it into the sugar to coat.
• Press the sugared glass gently onto each cookie dough ball to flatten slightly, re-coating the glass in sugar as needed to prevent sticking.
• Bake the cookies for 8 minutes. They should be light in color and soft in the center; that’s perfectly fine! The cookies will firm up as they cool.
• Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
• In a separate bowl, beat the remaining unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well combined.
• Slowly stream in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it's too thick, add more cream. If too thin, incorporate a little more sugar.
• Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a butter knife to spread the frosting over the tops generously. Add sprinkles on top for that extra pop of color!
• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Tip 3: Experiment with different flavor extracts like lemon or orange for a unique twist.
• Tip 4: Allow kids to decorate with their favorite toppings for a fun activity.
• Tip 5: Consider doubling the recipe for parties or gatherings; they’ll go fast!

Keyword easy cookie recipes, frosted sugar cookies, Holiday Baking, Homemade Cookies

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.