Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe

I’ve got to share this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe because it’s honestly one of those go-to sweets that feels both simple and special. Whether you’re baking with the kids, prepping for a holiday party, or just craving a cozy afternoon treat, these sugar cookies come together quickly and taste wonderfully buttery with just the right amount of sweetness.

What makes this recipe really stand out is the icing—it’s smooth, glossy, and so fun to decorate with. I love how versatile it is, from a basic vanilla glaze to colorful, festive designs. Once you try this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe, I bet it’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire, just like it did in mine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are pretty straightforward but work beautifully together to create that perfect sugar cookie texture—soft but slightly crisp on the edges, and the frosting adds just the right sugary touch.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better, and it’s important to have it softened—not melted—for the right dough texture.
• Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to the cookies, contributing to that classic sugar cookie bite.
• Vanilla extract: A good-quality pure vanilla extract really elevates the flavor here—don’t skimp on this!
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies tender.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough; spoon and level it for the most accurate measure to keep cookies from getting too dense.
• Baking powder: Gives a little lift so your cookies aren’t flat and hard.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For the frosting, sift it well to keep the icing silky smooth without lumps.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the icing, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Light corn syrup: This keeps the frosting shiny and helps it set just right without cracking.
• Gel food coloring: Optional but a fun way to add vibrant color without watering down your icing.
• Candies and sprinkles: Perfect for decorating and adding a festive touch—use sparingly to avoid soggy cookies.

Variations

I love how you can put your own spin on this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe, depending on the occasion or what you have in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors or decoration styles to make it your own.

• Lemon zest and juice variation: I’ve added a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest and a little lemon juice to the dough before. It brightens the cookies and pairs beautifully with a simple vanilla icing.
• Gluten-free version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep these treats accessible without sacrificing texture.
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegan butter and a flax egg to make this recipe dairy-free and egg-free; the texture changes slightly but still delicious!
• Spiced sugar cookies: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough gives a cozy twist perfect for fall or winter baking.

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start off by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed. Getting this step right sets the stage for that lovely tender texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. If your butter and sugar mixture is too soft, the dough might get a bit runny here—just chill it for 15 minutes if needed before moving on.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Over-mixing here can develop gluten and make the cookies tough, so be gentle.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

This step is key if you want neat, non-spreading cookies. Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I usually prep the dough the night before and let it chill overnight, which makes rolling out the cookies much easier.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Cookies

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut your shapes, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If your dough gets sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. Let them cool completely before decorating.

Step 7: Make the Icing

While the cookies cool, mix the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get your desired consistency—thicker for piping outlines, thinner for flooding. If you want, add gel food coloring a drop at a time to get bright, beautiful colors without watering down the icing.

Step 8: Decorate

Use piping bags or even zip-top bags with a tiny corner snipped off to decorate your cookies. I usually pipe an outline first, let it set for a few minutes, then flood the center with icing. Add your sprinkles or candies immediately before the icing firms up so they stick well.

How to Serve Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with just a few festive sprinkles or edible glitter to add a little sparkle. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a subtle texture boost. It makes a simple cookie look like you went all out!

Side Dishes

Pair your sugar cookies with a cold glass of milk (classic for a reason!) or a warm cup of chai or coffee for a cozy treat. If you’re serving them at a party, a platter with fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a lovely combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, arrange your decorated sugar cookies in a beautiful tin or on a tiered dessert stand. I’ve even wrapped baker’s twine around stacks of a few cookies and given them as thoughtful gifts. It’s such a simple way to delight friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to a week, though they’re so good fresh that they rarely last that long in my house! If you layer them, a sheet of parchment between each layer keeps the icing intact.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, both the dough and finished cookies freeze beautifully. I like to roll and cut the dough, freeze the cut shapes on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag—so I can bake fresh whenever I want. Finished cookies freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

Leftover cookies don’t really need reheating, but if you want that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Watch the icing so it doesn’t melt or become sticky. Just a little warm makes them irresistibly soft again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe With Icing Recipe has brought so many joyful moments to my kitchen—from spontaneous afternoon baking to festive celebrations. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the fun of decorating makes it a winner every time. I’m certain once you give this a try, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again, just like mine do. So, go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet success of these classic sugar cookies!

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