Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are comforting treats with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, topped with versatile frosting that can be customized for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour gives structure while keeping cookies soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder helps with gentle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda adds lightness to the crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt balances sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for buttery flavor and tender texture. Substitute: coconut oil (solid) for a dairy-free option.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar classic sweetness. Substitute: coconut sugar or erythritol for a lower-glycemic swap.
- 1 large egg adds richness and chewiness.
- 1 large egg yolk adds richness and chewiness. Substitute: flax egg for a vegan option, but cookies may be slightly denser.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract warm, floral aroma.
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps cookies pillowy soft. Substitute: dairy-free yogurt for non-dairy.
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or dairy-free milk for spreadable consistency.
- Food coloring or sprinkles optional for festive touches.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until well combined. Add the sour cream and mix until silky.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft, not sticky; if it’s too sticky, chill for 10 minutes.
- Scoop generous tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
- For perfectly round cookies, flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Baking
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes — edges should be set and centers still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- Make the frosting by creaming the butter, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and add sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Let the frosting set for about 20 minutes before stacking.
Notes
For a lighter frosting, swap half the butter for cream cheese to create a tangy cream cheese frosting. Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dough for brightness, or stir in almond extract for a more grown-up flavor. For healthier options, reduce sugar and add applesauce.