Buttercream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, topped with a swirl of rich, creamy frosting that cracks ever-so-slightly under your teeth—these Buttercream Sugar Cookies are truly a little bite of happiness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe delivers perfectly soft sugar cookies that hold their shape, crowned with luxuriously whipped buttercream. They’re as fun to decorate as they are to eat, making them a go-to for seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Let’s make your next batch of Buttercream Sugar Cookies unforgettable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buttercream Sugar Cookies use a handful of kitchen staples, but don’t underestimate their power! Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect combination of soft, flavorful cookies and silky, spreadable frosting—the sort of treat that feels instantly special.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and softness, yielding that classic bite everyone loves.
• Aluminum free baking powder: Ensures even, gentle lift without any metallic aftertaste.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is essential for both the tender cookie base and dreamy buttercream—don’t skimp on quality here!
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors in both the dough and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Provides crisp edges and a golden exterior, plus a touch of subtle sweetness.
• Egg: Brings moisture and binds the dough together for perfectly rollable cookies.
• Pure vanilla extract: Delivers rich, fragrant depth—don’t be afraid to use real vanilla for best results.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The secret to cloud-like, smooth buttercream that pipes or spreads like a dream.
• Pure almond extract: Just a teaspoon adds that unmistakeable bakery-style flavor (optional, but highly recommended!).
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes buttercream extra light and silky so it glides over each cookie.
• Pinch of salt: A tiny sprinkle rounds out the sweetness of the frosting for a balanced finish.

How to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together your flour and aluminum free baking powder. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and helps keep the cookies nice and light. Set this bowl aside—this classic step makes all the difference for a smooth, even dough later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Flavorings

In a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat together the room temperature unsalted butter and kosher salt on medium speed until just combined. Next, add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until it’s light and smooth—about a minute and a half. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl’s sides! Add in your egg and vanilla extract, then beat again until everything’s silky and cohesive. This is where the cookie dough gets its flavor and texture magic.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, a bit at a time. Pause to scrape the bowl if needed. Let the dough come together—it should form a soft, almost pillowy ball that’s not sticky to the touch.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Gently gather the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and flatten it into a 1-inch thick disk. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to three days. (If you’ve let it chill more than a few hours, let it rest on the counter 20 minutes before rolling.) This not only makes rolling and cutting easier but delivers cookies with perfect shape and texture.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats—this ensures your Buttercream Sugar Cookies come off the pan effortlessly and bake evenly every time.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters for a little extra fun. If the dough gets too sticky, just add a sprinkle of flour. Collect and reroll your scraps so that every bit of dough becomes another lovely cookie.

Step 7: Arrange and Chill (Optional)

Place cut cookies on a baking sheet, about an inch apart. If you notice the dough has gotten a little warm, pop the sheet into the freezer for 10 minutes before baking to help the shapes hold up beautifully in the oven.

Step 8: Bake

Bake one sheet at a time, right in the middle of the oven, for 7-8 minutes. You want them puffy, just set, and barely golden on the bottom. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let them cool completely—this is key for perfect frosting application later!

Step 9: Make the Buttercream

In a clean mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Scrape the bowl, then add in all the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and heavy cream. Mix on low until just combined, then whip on medium-high until extra fluffy and light, 2-3 minutes. For a fun twist, tint your buttercream with gel food coloring—it’s the easiest way to make your Buttercream Sugar Cookies pop!

Step 10: Decorate

Now the fun really begins. Spread or pipe your dreamy buttercream onto cooled cookies, getting as creative as you like—swirls, rosettes, or simple dips all look gorgeous. If you fancy, sprinkle with festive toppings, colored sugars, or edible glitter. The possibilities for Buttercream Sugar Cookies are truly endless!

How to Serve Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are basically blank canvases, ready for anything from rainbow sprinkles to a delicate dusting of sanding sugar. For a classy touch, add edible gold leaf or tiny sugar pearls on top of your buttercream. Around the holidays, a little shimmer with silver dragées or colored nonpareils makes them extra festive and irresistible.

Side Dishes

Buttercream Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk, but they’re also wonderful alongside a platter of fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad for a light contrast. For dessert spreads or parties, add them to a cookie tray with chocolate-dipped treats, lemon bars, and your favorite homemade brownies to wow every guest regardless of age.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your beautiful cookies by stacking them on a tiered cake stand or arranging them in gift boxes lined with tissue paper. You can even personalize each Buttercream Sugar Cookie with names or messages, making them delightful party favors or edible place cards. For a fun twist, let each guest decorate their own at a cookie decorating party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Buttercream Sugar Cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, pop them in the fridge to keep that buttercream just right, but always let them come up to room temp before serving for the best texture and taste.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze both plain baked cookies and decorated Buttercream Sugar Cookies. For best results, freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a sealed container. The buttercream may get slightly firm, but a quick thaw on the counter restores their perfect bite.

Reheating

If you love your cookies soft, let them come to room temperature naturally. While you can pop a plain cookie in the microwave for a few seconds, skip reheating decorated Buttercream Sugar Cookies to keep the frosting looking (and tasting) its best.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make and chill the dough for up to three days in advance. Let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to soften before rolling it out for easy handling.

How do I get my cookies to hold their shape during baking?

The key is chilling the dough before baking, especially if you’ve handled it a lot or it’s gotten warm from rolling. Chilling in the freezer for 10 minutes just before baking helps create neat, crisp edges.

Can I use different flavorings in the buttercream?

Definitely! Swap the almond extract for lemon, orange, or even maple extract for a fun flavor twist. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so adjust to taste and enjoy experimenting.

Is it possible to color the buttercream?

Yes, gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant, consistent color without watering down your buttercream. Mix it in a little at a time until you reach your desired shade.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No problem at all—a hand mixer works just fine for both the dough and buttercream steps. Just be sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and the creamiest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s both joyfully nostalgic and endlessly customizable, Buttercream Sugar Cookies are as rewarding to make as they are to share. Whether you bake a batch solo or get creative with friends and family, I know this recipe has the power to make any day feel truly special. Happy baking!

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