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Delicious buttercream frosted sugar cookies on a decorative plate

Buttercream Sugar Cookies

These Buttercream Sugar Cookies are the ultimate sweet indulgence, perfectly soft and slightly crispy, making them a beloved choice for any occasion. Topped with rich buttercream frosting, they are deliciously sweet and comforting.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baking
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of the cookies, giving them a delightful structure.
  • 2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder Ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have that perfect fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Adds a rich and creamy flavor that makes cookies melt in your mouth.
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar The sweetener that makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.
  • 1 large egg, room temperature Binds all the ingredients together, resulting in a tender cookie.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Infuses the cookies with an aromatic flavor that’s comforting and nostalgic.
For the frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature The creamy base of the rich buttercream frosting.
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar Gives the frosting a sweet and silky finish.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Adds depth and warmth to the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional) Introduces a delightful hint of nuttiness to the frosting.
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream Creates an airy texture in the frosting.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of aluminum free baking powder. Mix well using a whisk and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt on medium speed for about one minute until well combined.
  3. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the butter mixture, and continue beating until it becomes smooth and creamy, about one and a half minutes.
  4. Add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the mixture, then mix until everything is well incorporated.
  5. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture a little at a time, scraping the bowl occasionally until a soft dough forms.
  6. Gently press the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and flatten into a 1-inch thick disk. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
  3. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  4. Bake one sheet at a time for 7-8 minutes until they are puffy and lightly golden. Let cookies rest for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Gradually add 4 cups of confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and ¼ cup of heavy cream, mixing on low speed before increasing to medium-high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Taste your frosting and add a pinch of salt if it’s too sweet. Decorate cookies as desired.

Notes

For a unique flavor, try substituting the vanilla extract with lemon zest or orange zest. Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Dusting with powdered sugar is an easy decorative alternative.