Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
11 mins
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Total Time
36 mins
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Servings
18 cookies
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Calories
273 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
Description
This recipe produces sugar cookies with a soft, tender texture achieved by a combination of baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and sour cream, which help create a delicate crumb. The dough includes both vanilla and optional almond extracts for subtle depth of flavor. After baking, the cookies are lightly pressed flat to enhance softness and uniformity.
The accompanying frosting combines softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, optionally tinted with food coloring and decorated with sprinkles. This frosting sets up softly, resembling a buttercream that is creamy and not firm enough for stacking due to its texture.
These cookies are versatile for decorating and can be prepared for occasions where both flavor and gentle texture are important. The recipe also notes how the cookies freeze well and stores at room temperature.
A recipe update improved flavor and texture in early 2025; users seeking the previous version can find it separately.
Ingredients
For the Cookie
- ½ cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons
- 1 egg room temperature preferred, large egg plus 1 yolk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
Frosting
- ¾ cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- Food Coloring optional, I linked to the natural food coloring I use
- Sprinkles optional, I linked to the natural sprinkles I use, for decorating
Instructions
For the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350F (177C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to mix together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract and stir well until completely combined.
- In a separate, medium sized bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, stirring on low speed until all ingredients are well combined.
- Drop cookie dough by 2-Tablespoon (40g) sized scoop onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2 inches (5cm) apart. If desired, you can gently roll the dough between your palms to make it smooth (for more uniform cookies), but it is a bit sticky.
- Transfer to center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven and bake for 10-11 minutes.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, lightly flatten each cookie by gently pressing down on them with a flat surface, such as the bottom of a large measuring cup. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed, until sugar is completely combined.
- Add vanilla and salt, stir to combine.
- Add food coloring, if using, and stir until color is even throughout.
- When cookies are completely cooled, spread frosting evenly over cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- Cookies freeze well, allowing for make-ahead storage; thaw before frosting or serving.
- The frosting crusts and sets while remaining soft, so these cookies are not ideal for stacking.
- The recipe was updated in February 2025 to enhance flavor and texture; previous versions are available separately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 273 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cookie | |
| Calories | 273kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 165mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 31mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 427IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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