Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

why make this recipe

This soft sugar cookie recipe makes light, tender cookies with a simple buttercream on top. You can make them for holidays, a school snack, or any time you want a sweet, soft cookie. They are easy to bake and easy to frost.

introduction

These cookies are soft and mild. Kids and adults usually like them. The dough is quick to mix and the frosting is very simple. If you like other easy treats, you might also enjoy a rich bar like the Valentine’s Day brownies with frosting for a different sweet option.

how to make Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Follow these steps in order. Work with room temperature butter and egg for best results.

  • Preheat the oven and mix dry ingredients.
  • Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
  • Mix dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Shape the dough and bake.
  • Cool, then frost.

For extra flavor ideas while you bake, see a light toast topping that uses fruit and cheese at balsamic strawberry toast with goat mascarpone cheese.

Ingredients :

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 1/2 cups white sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions :

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
  4. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
  6. To make the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Frost the cooled cookies.

how to serve Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Serve on a plate at room temperature. These cookies pair well with milk, tea, or coffee. For parties, arrange them on a platter and add sprinkles or fresh berries next to them.

how to store Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you stack frosted cookies, place parchment between layers to keep frosting neat. You can refrigerate for up to a week, but bring them back to room temperature before serving.

tips to make Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

  • Use room temperature butter and egg for smooth dough.
  • Do not overmix once you add the flour. Mix until just combined.
  • Bake until the edges are lightly golden; the center will stay soft.
  • Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • If frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until smooth.

variation (if any)

  • Add lemon or almond extract (1/2 teaspoon) to the frosting for a different flavor.
  • Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for a crunchy top.
  • Press a small jam thumbprint in the center after baking for a filled cookie.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, add 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. If you use salted butter, reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon or skip it.

Q: How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?
A: For thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. For thinner frosting, add milk by teaspoon until you reach the right consistency.

Q: Can I use brown sugar?
A: You can try half brown sugar for a softer, slightly caramel taste, but the cookies will be a bit darker.

Q: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
A: Yes. Bake times will change. Smaller biscuits need less time; larger ones need more. Watch for light golden edges.

Conclusion

Try this simple, soft sugar cookie recipe for an easy bake and a sweet finish, or compare methods with another trusted source like Sugar Cookies With Buttercream Frosting – Food52.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
soft sugar cookies with buttercream frosting 2026 02 26 235543 1024x819 1

Soft Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: make-recipe
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously soft and tender sugar cookies topped with a simple buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
  4. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
  6. To make the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Frost the cooled cookies.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and egg for smooth dough. Do not overmix once you add the flour.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 175mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star