Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting

Introduction

There’s something timeless and magical about Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting. These cookies are the heart of many family traditions — from baking with loved ones during the holidays, to decorating them for birthdays, baby showers, or just because. They are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and carry a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with a smooth, vibrant frosting.

I especially love this recipe because it’s not just about baking cookies, but about creating memories. Kids and adults alike can gather around the table, armed with sprinkles, piping bags, and edible glitter, turning each cookie into a unique piece of edible art. Whether you’re making simple round cookies or fun festive shapes with cookie cutters, the results are always delightful.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and creativity. The cookie dough itself is straightforward and foolproof, making it great for beginner bakers. Yet, the decorating possibilities are endless — from elegant pastel shades to bold, festive designs.

Another reason I love it is the texture — the cookies are soft and chewy but sturdy enough to hold their shape, making them perfect for decorating. Paired with sweet, creamy frosting, they become irresistible.

But most of all, I adore how this recipe brings people together. Baking and decorating sugar cookies is a bonding activity — one that sparks laughter, creativity, and shared joy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it embodies the essence of celebration. No matter the occasion, sugar cookies never fail to impress. They’re versatile, customizable, and universally loved. These cookies are also ideal for gifting — packaged in a tin or tied with a ribbon, they make thoughtful homemade presents that always bring a smile.

And let’s not forget the fun factor — there’s something so satisfying about frosting cookies with swirls of color and adding playful toppings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why sugar cookies remain a classic in every home baker’s collection.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour (for dough)
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories: ~180 per cookie (including frosting)
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for flavor depth)

For the Colorful Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (gel recommended for vibrant colors)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative candies (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
   • Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
   • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
   • Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent spreading while baking.
3. Roll & Cut Cookies
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer to lined baking sheets.
4. Bake
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set (not browned).
   • Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
5. Make the Frosting
   • In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
6. Decorate
   • Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.
   • Add sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter before the frosting sets.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Whisk dry ingredients.
2. Cream butter and sugar.
3. Add egg and extracts.
4. Mix in dry ingredients.
5. Chill dough.
6. Roll out dough, cut shapes.
7. Bake and cool.
8. Prepare frosting.
9. Color frosting and decorate cookies.

How to Serve

• Arrange decorated cookies on a festive platter.
• Serve with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.
• Package in gift boxes or tins lined with parchment for holiday gifting.

Recipe Tips

• Always chill the dough before rolling for clean shapes.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without altering consistency.
• For neat frosting, use a piping bag or a small offset spatula.
• Let cookies cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.

Variations

• Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Royal Icing Alternative: For a glossy, hard finish, use royal icing instead of butter-based frosting.
• Holiday Flavors: Add peppermint or orange extract for festive twists.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze cookie dough (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze unfrosted cookies in layers between parchment paper for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (festive shapes for holidays)
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
• Piping bags or small offset spatula for decorating

Conclusion

Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting are more than just cookies — they’re a canvas for creativity, a treat for every occasion, and a delicious way to spread joy. Soft, buttery, and decorated with love, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or cozy baking days. Once you bake a batch, they’ll quickly become a family tradition you return to year after year.

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Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 37 mins

Servings: 24 Calories: 180kcal per cookie

Description

There’s something timeless and magical about Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting. These cookies are the heart of many family traditions — from baking with loved ones during the holidays, to decorating them for birthdays, baby showers, or just because.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for flavor depth)

For the Colorful Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons 2–3 milk (more if needed)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (gel recommended for vibrant colors)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or decorative candies (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent spreading while baking.
3. Roll & Cut Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and transfer to lined baking sheets.
4. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set (not browned). Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
5. Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
6. Decorate: Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Add sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter before the frosting sets.

Keywords: Classic Sugar Cookies with Colorful Frosting