Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
These Soft Sugar Cookies are delightfully tender and fluffy, perfect for any occasion. Made with a classic dough enriched with butter and vanilla, they are baked to a light golden finish and topped with a creamy, sweet vanilla frosting. Customize them with food coloring and sprinkles for a fun and festive treat.
- Author: Mila
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookies
- 1½ cups butter (3 sticks), softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter (5⅓ tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 7–8 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition and scraping down the sides to ensure even blending. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and improving the final texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper if desired for easy cleanup.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop scant ¼-cup portions of the chilled dough, roll them into balls, then flatten slightly. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and their edges just begin to turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking pan for 4-5 minutes so they set further, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 7 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
- Color and Frost: If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles to your liking.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for maintaining shape and texture during baking.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be set but soft for the best texture.
- Customize frosting colors with gel or liquid food coloring for vibrant effects.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding milk incrementally to achieve your preferred spreadability.
Keywords: soft sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, frosted sugar cookies, classic sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe