Frosted Sugar Cookies

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Frosted sugar cookies are the ultimate treat for any holiday season.

Whether you’re baking Christmas cookies, Easter treats, or Thanksgiving treats, these perfectly chewy cookies topped with sweet buttercream icing are sure to impress.

They are make-ahead friendly too – you can prepare the dough a couple of days in advance and store it in the fridge.

Let’s dive into this delightful baking recipe from scratch and get ready to create some festive magic in your kitchen!

Frosted Sugar Cookies Ingredients

Using the best ingredients ensures your cookies turn out delicious every time. Here’s why each ingredient is essential:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
• Confectioners Sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps achieve a smooth dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together, creating a cohesive dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise, making them light and fluffy.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds a subtle tang and stabilizes the dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Optional: Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch and extra fun to the cookies.

Frosting:

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to your liking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and richness to the frosting.

Tips and Notes

To make your frosted sugar cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some valuable tips and notes:

• Chill the Dough: This helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to handle.
• Use Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just turning golden for a perfectly chewy texture.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more confectioners sugar for thicker frosting or more milk for a thinner spread.
• Decorating: Have fun with sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter for a festive look.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies

Cookie Directions:

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and confectioners sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, then continue mixing until smooth and well blended. Set this aside.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until they are fully combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Shape Cookie Dough as Preferred:

1. For round cookies: Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball using your palms. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently press them down with your palms.
2. For cut-out cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
3. For sprinkle cookies: Follow the round cookie method, but dip the tops of the flattened dough balls into a bowl of sprinkles before baking.
4. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. The tops of the cookies should look set but not too dark.
5. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Directions:

1. Prepare the Frosting Base: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with 1 cup of confectioners sugar on low speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the milk, vanilla extract, and remaining confectioners sugar. Continue to beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
3. Decorate the Cookies: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or use a spatula to spread it over the cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
4. Set the Frosting: Allow the frosting to dry and set completely before stacking or storing the cookies.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to two weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months. Frost before serving.

Enjoy baking these delightful frosted sugar cookies, perfect for any holiday celebration!

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