Print

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

These Holiday Sugar Cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make treat, perfect for festive gatherings. Soft, buttery, and flavored with vanilla and cream cheese, they're fun to decorate with buttercream frosting and sprinkles, making them an ideal family activity during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Add Vanilla, Eggs, and Cream Cheese: Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the softened cream cheese until the batter is smooth.
  4. Sift and Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up, which will make it easier to handle and shape.
  6. Form and Bake Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, form dough into round balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to accommodate spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges start to brown lightly.
  7. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating to ensure the frosting does not melt.
  8. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: Meanwhile, in a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully combined. Add vanilla extract, heavy whipping cream, and food coloring if desired; mix until smooth and creamy.
  9. Decorate Cookies: Once cookies have cooled, use a spatula to spread buttercream frosting on each cookie and top with sprinkles as desired.
  10. Set and Serve: Let the frosting set at room temperature until firm before serving for the best texture and presentation.

Notes

  • For best results, allow the dough to chill properly; this reduces spreading during baking.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Adjust food coloring to create festive colors.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/sugar-cookies/