Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting for Sweet Joy

There’s something absolutely magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The scent of butter and sugar wafting through the house, the joy on my kids’ faces as they help roll out the dough, and the anticipation of decorating those little pieces of art – it all adds up to pure happiness! My go-to recipe? Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting! Trust me, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weekend at home.

I remember the first time I baked these sugar cookies with my mom. She’d let me sprinkle the flour everywhere, and we’d giggle as we shaped the dough into all sorts of fun shapes. Those moments spent in the kitchen are some of my favorite memories, and now I get to recreate that magic with my own kids. The best part? These cookies are so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!

Ingredients List

To create the most delightful Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened – this gives our cookies that rich flavor
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar – for that classic sweetness
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – because you can’t have sugar cookies without it!
• 1 large egg – it helps bind everything together
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour – the foundation of our cookie dough
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder – a little lift for our cookies
• ¾ teaspoon table salt – to enhance all the wonderful flavors

For the frosting, gather:

• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted – for that sweet, smooth texture
• 3-4 tablespoons milk – to achieve the perfect consistency
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup – for a glossy finish that looks amazing
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – because more vanilla is always better!
• Gel food coloring (optional) – to make your cookies pop with color
• Additional candies and sprinkles for decorating (optional) – let your creativity shine!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to baking the most delightful cookies!

How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part: making these delicious cookies and that dreamy frosting! Don’t worry; it’s super simple. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Making the Cookie Dough

First, grab your stand mixer and combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until it’s creamy and fluffy – this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg and that lovely vanilla extract, mixing until everything’s well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it helps ensure your cookies rise just right!

Now, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Keep mixing until the dough is smooth and comes together nicely. Here’s the trick: once it’s all combined, transfer half of that dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, cover it up, and mold it into a disk. Chill it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking!

Baking the Cookies

After your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust your surface with a little flour, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to your preferred thickness (about ¼ inch is perfect). Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes and gently transfer them to the baking sheet. Bake those beauties for about 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before you start decorating!

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Frosting

Now for the frosting! In a bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and fluffy. If you want to color your frosting, this is where you can add gel food coloring. Just remember, you want it to be spreadable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar.

Decorating Your Cookies

Time to unleash your creativity! Use a piping bag to pipe the frosting onto your cooled cookies or simply spread it with a knife. Don’t forget the fun part: decorating! Sprinkle on those colorful candies and sprinkles to make them extra special. The kids will love helping out here – it’s a great way to unleash their imaginations!

How to Prepare Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part: making these delicious cookies and that dreamy frosting! Don’t worry; it’s super simple. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Making the Cookie Dough

First, grab your stand mixer and combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until it’s creamy and fluffy – this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg and that lovely vanilla extract, mixing until everything’s well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because it helps ensure your cookies rise just right!

Now, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Keep mixing until the dough is smooth and comes together nicely. Here’s the trick: once it’s all combined, transfer half of that dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, cover it up, and mold it into a disk. Chill it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking!

Baking the Cookies

After your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust your surface with a little flour, roll out one of the chilled dough disks to your preferred thickness (about ¼ inch is perfect). Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes and gently transfer them to the baking sheet. Bake those beauties for about 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before you start decorating!

Preparing the Sugar Cookie Frosting

Now for the frosting! In a bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s smooth and fluffy. If you want to color your frosting, this is where you can add gel food coloring. Just remember, you want it to be spreadable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar.

Decorating Your Cookies

Time to unleash your creativity! Use a piping bag to pipe the frosting onto your cooled cookies or simply spread it with a knife. Don’t forget the fun part: decorating! Sprinkle on those colorful candies and sprinkles to make them extra special. The kids will love helping out here – it’s a great way to unleash their imaginations!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional values of these delightful Easy Sugar Cookies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 48mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 18mg

These cookies are a sweet treat, perfect for indulging in moderation. So go ahead, enjoy a cookie (or two!) and savor the joy they bring!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Easy Sugar Cookies & Sugar Cookie Frosting turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips from my own baking adventures:

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create that light, fluffy texture we all love.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Get Creative: Have fun with your decorations! Mix and match candies and sprinkles to make each cookie unique.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best sugar cookies ever!

Variations on Easy Sugar Cookies

Once you’ve mastered the classic Easy Sugar Cookies, feel free to get creative and mix things up! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Almond Joy: Swap in almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. Add chocolate chips and shredded coconut for a delightful flavor combination.
• Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing, zesty flavor that’s perfect for spring!
• Holiday Spice: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor, especially great for fall festivities.
• Rainbow Frosting: Use multiple shades of gel food coloring to create a fun, swirled frosting effect that kids will love!

These variations are just the beginning! Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite flavor combinations.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Easy Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months!

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These sugar cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute baking adventures!
• Fun for Everyone: Decorating cookies is a blast, especially with kids. Let their creativity shine with colorful sprinkles and candies!
• Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations. You can customize flavors and decorations to suit the theme!
• Deliciously Sweet: Each bite is a delightful blend of buttery goodness and sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

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