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Creamy Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe with Icing Easy Step-by-Step Decorating Guide

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These creamy soft sugar cookies are tender yet sturdy, perfect for decorating with smooth, sweet icing. They offer a balance of flavor and texture that’s ideal for special occasions and everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened (preferably European-style)
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the icing:
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Take the butter and egg out about 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. (10 minutes)
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides occasionally. (5 minutes)
  3. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. (2 minutes)
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add sifted flour mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed just until combined each time. Avoid overmixing. If dough is too sticky, chill for 10 minutes. (5 minutes)
  5. Chill the dough: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. (1 hour or overnight)
  6. Roll out and cut shapes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll dough to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill dough again if too soft. (15 minutes)
  7. Bake the cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden and centers look slightly underbaked. (8-10 minutes)
  8. Cool completely: Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool fully before icing. (30 minutes)
  9. Prepare the icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency. Add food coloring if desired. (10 minutes)
  10. Decorate: Use piping bag or spoon to apply icing. Outline first, let set, then flood. Let icing dry completely for 1-2 hours or overnight. (1-2 hours)

Notes

Do not overbake cookies to keep them soft. Chilling dough is essential for shape and texture. Use thicker icing for outlines and thinner for flooding. Let icing dry completely to avoid smudging. Dough can be chilled up to 24 hours or frozen for 3 months. Use almond flour for gluten-free option and plant-based milk for dairy-free icing.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft sugar cookies, creamy sugar cookies, sugar cookies with icing, easy sugar cookies, holiday cookies, cookie decorating, soft baked cookies

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