Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
If there’s one treat that screams comfort and nostalgia, it’s Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies. These bakery-style beauties are buttery, fluffy, and topped with creamy vanilla frosting, plus a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles to finish them off. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, they’re a classic that never goes out of style.
These are a staple in our kitchen any time we’re craving something cozy and homemade. We’ve made them for bake sales, family gatherings, and even just lazy Sundays. That soft texture and sweet frosting combo never gets old, and yes, we always go heavy on the sprinkles.
Want more cookie goodness? Don’t miss our Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies, Frosted Red Velvet Cookies, and Cinnamon Bun Cookies for more sweet inspiration.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and pillowy: These cookies bake up thick and tender every time.
- Easy to make: Simple pantry staples and no fancy techniques.
- Perfectly sweet: The combo of vanilla, almond, and buttery frosting is just right.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a batch now, freeze some for later!
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
These cookies start with a base of softened butter and sugar, creamed to fluffy perfection. Add in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract for that signature sugar cookie flavor. The flour, baking powder, and salt bring everything together into a soft, rollable dough. For the frosting, more butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla whip into a dreamy spread for topping. And of course, don’t forget the sprinkles!
Variations
- Flavor twist: Swap almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy version.
- Holiday style: Use themed sprinkles and food coloring for any celebration.
- Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a fun twist.
- Frosting fun: Try cream cheese frosting or tinted buttercream swirls.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts; mix until light.
- Stir in dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Scoop and bake cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Beat frosting ingredients until creamy.
- Frost cookies and add sprinkles.
Expert Tips
- Chill the dough to help it hold shape while baking.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them when edges are just golden.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer to avoid smudging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes! Freeze them before frosting, or freeze frosted cookies in a single layer, then stack with parchment between.
Chilling is key for keeping the cookies thick and soft. It also makes scooping easier.
Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for bigger batches or events.
★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below! We would love to hear back from you! You can also FOLLOW US on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more delicious recipes.
📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking sheets
- 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop
- cooling rack
- Piping bag and tip (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Frosting
- ¾ cup butter softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion dough and place on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Let sit on the tray for 1 minute, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter for about 2 minutes until lighter in color. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies with a knife, or pipe swirls using a piping bag (2D tip). Add sprinkles on top.
Notes
- Don’t overbake, pull them as soon as edges are lightly golden for the softest texture.
- Add food coloring to the frosting for seasonal or holiday themes.
- Chill longer if the dough feels sticky or warm.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
