Name: Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 59 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 egg room temperature; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp milk; ½ tsp salt; Pink or red food coloring optional; 3 cups powdered sugar; Sprinkles optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 5 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a melt-in-your-mouth, crowd-pleasing treat, this Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe is where your search ends. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and every batch turns out soft, tender, and perfectly sweet—plus, the frosting adds that irresistible creamy finish you’ll adore. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because, trust me, these cookies will quickly become your go-to.

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Why This Recipe Works

Soft, Tender Cookies: The mix of cornstarch and all-purpose flour keeps these cookies delightfully soft without being cakey.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Combining granulated and powdered sugar helps the cookie and frosting blend seamlessly, so it’s sweet but not overwhelming.
Fluffy Frosting That Holds Its Shape: Whipping the frosting until thick and airy ensures it spreads beautifully and looks great on every single cookie.
Simple Yet Flavorful: Vanilla and a hint of almond extract boost the flavor profile without overpowering the classic sugar cookie taste.

Frosted Sugar Cookie, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, cookie frosting - The image shows a white plate holding nine round cookies, each topped with a thick layer of bright pink frosting. The cookies have a light golden-brown color and slightly rough texture. The frosting is creamy with a smooth, slightly uneven spread on each cookie, sprinkled with colorful rainbow sprinkles in reds, whites, blues, yellows, and greens. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some sprinkles scattered around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients for these frosted sugar cookies is key to getting that soft texture and delightful flavor. Each element plays a role, and I’ve included some insider tips to help you shop smart and bake confidently.

Frosted Sugar Cookie, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, cookie frosting - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small bowl of granulated sugar, a small bowl of powdered sugar, one whole clean brown egg, a small bowl of vegetable oil, a small bowl of vanilla extract, a small bowl of almond extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, a small mound of cornstarch, a small pile of baking powder, a small heap of salt, a small white bowl of milk, and a neat pile of colorful sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level precisely, and softened butter is essential for that creamy batter.
Granulated Sugar: Adds structure and a bit of crunch around the edges.
Powdered Sugar: Helps create a tender texture—plus, it’s used in both the dough and frosting for a smooth finish.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
Vegetable Oil: A little extra fat for softness and chewiness—it also keeps your cookies moist longer.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for classic cookie flavor.
Almond Extract: Just a touch adds a lovely depth without dominating the taste.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and chew.
Cornstarch: This little ingredient is a game-changer for softness—it prevents the cookies from getting too tough.
Baking Powder: Helps give a slight lift so your cookies aren’t flat.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the frosting reach that perfect creamy consistency.
Food Coloring (Optional): Great for festive cookies, but totally optional if you prefer natural colors.
Sprinkles (Optional): The fun topping for festive occasions or just a pop of color.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe is like a blank canvas for your flavor creativity, and I love experimenting with small tweaks to make it my own—and you will too! Don’t hesitate to adjust extracts or swap out colors depending on your mood or event.

Lemon Zest Variation: One time, I swapped almond for lemon extract and tossed in a teaspoon of lemon zest—it gave the cookies a fresh, zesty kick that everyone raved about.
Gluten-Free Twist: I’ve replaced the flour with a trusty gluten-free blend and added a little xanthan gum—still soft and dreamy!
Natural Food Coloring: Beets or turmeric powder work great if you want to avoid artificial colors and still get vibrant cookies.
Chocolate Frosting: For a rich change, try mixing cocoa powder into the frosting—one of my family’s favorites!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by beating your softened butter with the granulated and powdered sugars on high speed for about 3 minutes. It should turn pale and creamy—that’s your cue that it’s full of air, which helps give the cookies that amazing soft texture. Don’t rush this step; it really makes a difference!

Step 2: Beat in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat at medium speed until everything is well combined. Remember to scrape down the sides with a spatula to get all the flavor in the mix—makes sure nothing gets left behind.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Gently

Now, add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, but keep your mixer on low speed. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so mix just until you see the dough come together. The cornstarch here really softens the crumb without making it mushy.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

I use a cookie scoop for consistent size, but a spoon works too. Roll dough into balls about 3 inches wide and flatten gently with the bottom of a glass. Bake at 350℉ for 8-9 minutes—watch closely and pull them out as soon as the edges start to color for perfectly soft centers.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat the softened butter with a whisk attachment until creamy and light. Then add milk, vanilla, salt, and optional food coloring. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating low until combined, then finish on high speed for fluffiness. This frosting is silky but sturdy—perfect for spreading or piping.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting with an offset spatula or butter knife. Add sprinkles if you like some sparkle. Let the frosting set a bit—it’s best when it’s soft but doesn’t smoosh out.

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Pro Tips for Making Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe

Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and egg are at room temp for smooth mixing and even baking.
Don’t Overbake: Watch closely—removing the cookies just as edges start to color keeps them soft and chewy in the middle.
Cool Before Frosting: Patience here pays off; frosting warms and melts if cookies are still hot.
Use an Offset Spatula: Makes frosting easier to spread smoothly without breaking apart the cookies.

How to Serve Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe

Frosted Sugar Cookie, easy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, cookie frosting - The image shows a stack of three soft, pale yellow cookies with a rough texture, each separated by a thick layer of bright pink frosting. The top cookie has more pink frosting swirled on top with colorful sprinkles scattered over it, including red, white, yellow, blue, and green. They sit on a small white marble round plate, with a few sprinkles spilled around the base. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred light-colored cup and woven coaster in the back photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love simple sprinkles or colored sugar crystals—they add just the right festive touch without overpowering the frosting or cookie flavor. Sometimes, I toss on edible glitter for parties; it makes the cookies sparkle and feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These cookies are great with a cold glass of milk—classic combo you can’t beat! For a grown-up twist, I like pairing them with hot tea or a cup of coffee. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve arranged them on pretty platters with themed sprinkles and even piped little messages for birthdays. Stacking them inside a clear jar and tying a ribbon makes a wonderful gift too. I’ve found a simple sheet of wax paper between layers keeps the frosting pristine during transport.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge where they keep well for up to 5 days. Just be sure the container seals well to prevent any drying out.

Freezing

When I’ve had extra dough, I freeze the shaped cookie balls (before baking) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag—handy for future cravings. Alternatively, you can freeze already baked and frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months; just thaw them at room temp when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked feel, gently warm leftover cookies in a low oven (about 300℉) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaves, as they can melt the frosting and make the cookies too soft. Warming just slightly refreshes the texture without sacrificing that cozy softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps enhance the flavors and makes shaping easier.
Why is cornstarch used in this Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe?

Cornstarch acts as a tenderizer, softening the cookies and giving them that delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is essential for this recipe’s signature softness.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

You sure can! A hand mixer works just fine; just be sure to use a sturdy bowl and scrape the sides frequently to get an even mix.
How do I keep my frosting from melting?

Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before frosting, and try to keep the cookies out of warm environments. If it’s warm in your kitchen, refrigerate the finished cookies briefly before serving—they’ll firm up nicely.
Can I substitute different extracts in the frosting?

Definitely! Vanilla is classic, but feel free to try almond, lemon, or even peppermint extract to suit the season or your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

This Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and endlessly fun to customize. I love how these cookies bring people together, whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or the centerpiece of a holiday spread. You’re going to love how soft and fluffy they turn out—and the frosting? Total crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again, just like I do.