Description
These Perfect Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. The cookies are chilled for a tender texture, then baked to perfection and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that can be customized with food coloring. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup Butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- Food Coloring (Optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy for about one minute. Add sugar and continue beating for about two minutes until well combined and fluffy. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until fully mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour or ideally overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on preference. For softer cookies, bake closer to eight minutes; for a firmer texture, bake up to eleven minutes. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy cookie release and clean baking sheets.
- Customize the frosting with food coloring for themed occasions.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Bring cookies to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Keywords: sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, soft cookies, holiday cookies, vanilla cookies, almond extract, cookie recipe