Soft Frosted Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Buttercream
Soft frosted cut out sugar cookies that hold their shape with no spread. A classic sugar cookie recipe topped with homemade buttercream and sanding sugar.
Servings: 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)
Calories: 310kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
For Decorating
- Colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream cold butter and sugar on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add dry ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed just until dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 8–11 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Add vanilla extract and milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting onto cooled cookies and press into sanding sugar or sprinkles.
Notes
- Cold butter helps create a no-spread sugar cookie.
- Do not overbake. Cookies should remain pale for a soft texture.
- Chill dough 20–30 minutes if it becomes soft while rolling.
- Store in an airtight container once frosting is set.
- Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 130mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
