Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a beautifully frosted sugar cookie. Well, I’m excited to share my Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe with you — it’s seriously a game changer. These cookies come out just right every time: crisp at the edges, soft in the middle, and topped with that luscious, glossy frosting that kids and adults alike adore. Whether you’re baking for a party, the holidays, or simply because you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe’s got your back. Let’s dive in!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from simple, classic ingredients that blend perfectly together to deliver that melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie experience. I love how approachable this recipe is — nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned goodness.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and results in a smooth, creamy base.
• Granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness and helps give the cookie a slight crunch.
• Vanilla extract: The secret to gorgeous, warm flavor; you can also mix this up with almond or lemon extract if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Egg: This binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of any good cookie, it creates that tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep cookies from being too dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For the frosting, sifted to get a silky smooth texture.
• Milk: Just enough to loosen the frosting for piping — whole milk works best but any kind will do.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the frosting glossy and helps it harden beautifully.
• Gel food coloring (optional): For jazzing up your frosting with vibrant colors.
• Decorative candies and sprinkles (optional): Because who doesn’t love a little sparkle on their cookies?

Variations

I love that this Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe is like a blank canvas — it’s super easy to mix things up depending on your mood or the season. You’ll find that little tweaks can quickly make these cookies your signature treat.

• Extract Swaps: I’ve swapped out part of the vanilla for almond or lemon extract, lending a fresh twist that my family actually asks for now.
• Gluten-Free Version: By swapping the flour with a blend of gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum, I still managed to keep that perfect texture.
• Frosting Flavors: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping vanilla for peppermint extract makes these festive during the holidays.
• Decorating Free-for-All: Sometimes I skip the frosting and use colored sanding sugar, which simplifies things and still looks beautiful.

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by beating your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and creamy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. I love this step because it introduces air which helps your cookies rise just enough. Using a stand mixer makes it easy, but a hand mixer works perfectly too.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla for Flavor and Structure

Next, mix in the egg and your vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated. The egg gives the dough structure, while the vanilla infuses that classic sugar cookie aroma. If you want to experiment, this is the step for adding almond or lemon extracts as well.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Gradually

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution. Then, slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir or use your mixer on low speed until the dough comes together smooth. At this point, the dough will be sticky — and that’s totally normal.

Step 4: Chill the Dough for Perfect Roll-Out

Divide the dough into two discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours (or up to 5 days—making ahead is a lifesaver!). This chilling step makes the dough firm enough to roll without sticking and helps those cookies keep their shape in the oven.

Step 5: Roll, Cut Shapes, and Bake with Precision

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flour your surface and rolling pin generously — don’t be shy about dusting both sides of the dough so it doesn’t stick. Roll to about ⅛” for crispier or ¼” for softer cookies. If the dough cracks, let it sit a few minutes to soften. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, then carefully transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space to spread.

Bake for 8-10 minutes if your cookies are around 3 inches — watch for the edges to just start turning golden. Smaller cookies need less time, bigger ones more. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet; this prevents breakage and prepares them for frosting.

Step 6: Make That Flawless Frosting

Mix sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Your frosting should be thick but pipeable; if it’s too stiff, add more milk by the teaspoon, or add powdered sugar to thicken if too runny. I swear by light corn syrup — it’s magic for that shiny, hard-drying finish.

If you want colorful cookies, divide the frosting into bowls and add gel food coloring now. Don’t use liquid food coloring or it can throw off consistency.

Step 7: Decorate and Let Dry

Transfer your frosting to a piping bag or a Ziploc with a tiny corner snipped. Pipe onto cooled cookies however you like — from simple outlines to full coverage. Add sprinkles or candies immediately for that festive flair. Let the frosting harden for several hours at room temperature — patience really pays off, here!

How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for rainbow nonpareils or sanding sugar to sprinkle on top—it adds just the right amount of sparkle and crunch. For holidays, colored sugar or edible glitter amps up the festive vibe. Sometimes a few mini chocolate chips or tiny candy pearls mix things up and are a hit with the kids.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk—classic, right? But I also love serving them alongside fresh fruit like berries or orange slices for a balance of sweetness and brightness. For holiday gatherings, hot cocoa or spiced apple cider complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m bringing these to a party, I like stacking them in neat piles tied with colorful ribbons or arranging on a pretty platter with doilies. For birthdays, decorating the frosting with themed shapes or initials always gets compliments. Another fun idea is placing them in clear treat bags with ribbon as party favors — everyone loves a sweet takeaway!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to ten days. I like using a cookie tin or glass container with a tight lid. Just be sure the frosting is completely hardened before stacking to avoid smudges.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies both before and after frosting with great results. For unbaked dough, wrap the disks tightly and freeze up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. For baked cookies, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature when you’re ready; frosting holds well but might soften a bit.

Reheating

I usually just enjoy these cookies at room temperature, but if you want them a touch warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating too long or the frosting can melt. This trick brings out that bakery-fresh softness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe always comes out so beautifully no matter how many times I bake it. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want something reliable but special — plus, the kids go crazy for the decorating part! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s one you’ll want to keep on hand for every celebration or just a sweet treat on a quiet afternoon. Go ahead, bake a batch and make your kitchen smell incredible today!

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