If you’re looking for a frosted sugar cookie recipe that’s perfectly sweet and soft, this is the one! These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor, lightly crisp edges, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few simple ingredients and a little TLC, you’ll have warm, homemade sugar cookies with fluffy frosting in no time.

A Childhood Favorite

Growing up, sugar cookies were a staple in my house. My mom would usually make the dough, then let us pick fun shapes to cut them out ourselves. She’d bake them, and once they cooled, we got to decorate them with frosting and sprinkles however we wanted. Whether they were shaped like stars, spelled out my name with each letter in a different color, or even baked on a stick for a special occasion, sugar cookies always found their way into our home.

There was something magical about watching the dough come together, pressing out shapes, and smelling that sweet, buttery aroma as they baked. Simple as they are, sugar cookies have a way of making every moment feel just a little more special.

What Makes Sugar Cookies Comforting?

They’re nostalgic!
They’re soft and sweet!
They’re easy to make and use simple ingredients.
They’re fun to shape! Try circles or hearts!
They’re quick to bake and enjoy.
They’re perfect for planning ahead. Freeze the dough for up to 6 months!

What Makes Sugar Cookies Stand Out?

They’re a nostalgic dessert! These cookies stand out because of their soft texture and sweet, buttery flavor. The cookies shine on their own, but the frosting enhances each bite with an extra touch of sweetness!

Ingredients for Sugar Cookies

Sifted All-Purpose Flour- This provides structure and is the base of the cookie. I like to sift it for a lighter texture.
Baking Powder- A leavening agent that helps the cookies to be soft and rise. We’re using just 1 teaspoon here.
Softened Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and moisture, ensuring a tender cookie. Using it softened makes it easier to mix.
Granulated Sugar- Sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
Pure Vanilla Extract- Brings depth and warmth to the cookies!
Egg- Helps bind the ingredients together. Just 1 egg is enough for this recipe.

Ingredients for the Frosting:

Unsalted Butter- Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting and adds richness.
Milk- Helps thin the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Salt- Helps cut down on the sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth, depth and gives the frosting a rich flavor.
Powdered Sugar- Also known as confectioners’ sugar. Make a sweet and smooth white glaze. Just be sure to sift it to get out any lumps.
Optional: sprinkles for decorating

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies

For the Sugar Cookies:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors bloom and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Shape the Cookie Dough: Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut it into your desired shapes or use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each ball to flatten.
Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake.
Cool the Cookies Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

Mix Ingredients Together: Using a hand or stand mixer, mix together butter, milk, salt, vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost Your Cookies: Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Do I Need Salt in the Dough?

No salt is needed in the dough! I like to call this a happy accident. I used to add a little salt to my sugar cookie recipe, but one time, I completely forgot it. To my surprise, I actually liked the way they turned out even better! Ever since then, I’ve left the salt out, and now it’s my go-to way to make them. I do, however, include salt in the frosting.

Can I Freeze the Dough to Make Cookies Later?

Yes! You absolutely can freeze the dough! In fact, this dough can be frozen for up to 6 months.

How to Prep and Freeze Sugar Cookie Dough

Making and freezing sugar cookie dough is a comforting and convenient way to have dessert ready anytime. It’s so simple! Just prepare the dough as directed, shape it as desired, and freeze it in freezer bags for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge or bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the bake time or until cooked through.

Tips for Frosted Sugar Cookies

These tips will help you get the most delicious and soft sugar cookies!

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.
Use Softened Butter: This helps the ingredients to mix well.
Cream the Butter & Sugar Well: Beating the butter and sugar together well until light and fluffy helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to hard and dry cookies. Bake your cookies until the edges are just lightly golden, about 10-12 minutes. Pull them out on the earlier side for softer cookies.
Mix the Frosting Well: make sure the frosting no is well mixed and smooth throughout. You don’t want a lumpy frosting.
Let Them Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely. If you add the frosting too soon, it will melt into the cookies instead of setting on top.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Freeze Dough for Later: It’s good to have dessert available on demand. If you want fresh cookies at the ready, freeze the dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Shape Them How You Want: Cut the cookies in your desired shapes! The one’s posted here I made for Valentine’s Day. That’s why they’re heart shaped with heart sprinkles but when you make them, you can make them and whatever shapes fit your occasion.

That’s all for these nostalgic frosted sugar cookies! I hope you love this recipe, find it easy to make, and enjoy every sweet bite. Be as creative as you want with them. Happy baking!