Perfect Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting – oh, these are just the sweetest memory makers! Hi, I’m Anna Kowalska, and here at my little corner of the internet, I share tried-and-true homemade recipes that I just know you and your family will absolutely love. For me, it’s all about cooking with heart and flavor, taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly special. There’s just something magical about a classic sugar cookie, isn’t there? It’s the kind of cookie that makes you feel instantly happy, perfect for those little moments that turn into big memories. I’ve been making these specific sugar cookies with their creamy buttercream frosting for years, and every single time, they bring such joy, whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra sweetness.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Seriously, who can resist a perfectly soft sugar cookie topped with dreamy buttercream? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bites of happiness! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:

• So Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, you can totally nail these! The dough comes together quickly, and the frosting is a breeze.
• Incredible Taste: You get that perfect balance of a tender, sweet cookie and rich, creamy frosting. It’s pure bliss!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, bake sales, or just because – these sugar cookies with buttercream frosting are always a hit. They look so pretty decorated!
• That Homemade Touch: There’s just something special about cookies made with love from your own kitchen. They taste so much better than store-bought!

Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Alright, let’s talk about what makes these sugar cookies with buttercream frosting so darn good! It all starts with good ingredients, handled just right. Trust me, using things like softened butter and room temperature eggs makes a world of difference in how smooth and fluffy your dough and frosting turn out. And don’t even think about skipping the chilling step for the dough – it’s crucial for easy rolling and cutting! For the frosting, sifting your confectioners’ sugar is my little secret to getting it super smooth and lump-free. Here’s the full rundown of what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter	1 cup	Softened
White Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Large Eggs	2	At room temperature
Vanilla Extract	½ teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour	3 ¼ cups	Spoon and leveled
Baking Powder	½ teaspoon
Baking Soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon	For the cookie dough
Vegetable Shortening	½ cup
Confectioners’ Sugar	1 pound	Sifted
Water	5 tablespoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon	For the buttercream frosting
Vanilla Extract	½ teaspoon	For the buttercream frosting
Butter Flavored Extract	¼ teaspoon	Optional, for extra yummy frosting!

Crafting Your Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Okay, let’s get our hands in the dough and make some magic happen! These sugar cookies with buttercream frosting are a labor of love, but totally worth it. I’ll walk you through every step, just like I do in my own kitchen.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

First things first, let’s get that cookie dough going. In a big bowl, you’ll want to cream together your softened butter and sugar. A good electric mixer makes this super easy – just beat them until they’re nice and fluffy, like a pale yellow cloud. Then, add your eggs, one at a time, and that splash of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is beautifully combined.

Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or your mixer on a low speed. You want to mix just until everything is blended – don’t overdo it! Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Once it’s all combined, wrap that dough up and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. Trust me, this chilling step is key! It makes the dough firm and much easier to roll out without sticking everywhere.

Shaping and Baking Your Sugar Cookies

Once your dough is nice and chilled, it’s time for the fun part: shaping! Lightly flour a clean surface. I like to divide my dough in half so it’s easier to work with. Roll out one half to about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough feels too sticky, just add a tiny bit more flour. Now, grab your favorite cookie cutters and get creative! Cut out all sorts of fun shapes.

Carefully place your cut-out cookies about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. We don’t want them sticking! Now, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake them for just 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them – they bake really fast! You want them to be lightly golden around the edges, but still soft in the middle. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a minute or two before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Seriously, let them cool ALL the way before you even think about frosting!

Making the Creamy Buttercream Frosting

While those cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy buttercream frosting. In a clean bowl, beat your shortening until it’s smooth. Then, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar. This is where the magic happens! Add your water, that little bit of salt, the vanilla extract, and that optional butter flavoring if you’re using it.

Beat it all together with your electric mixer until it’s super fluffy and smooth. You’re looking for a consistency that’s easy to spread but still holds its shape. If it seems too thick, add a tiny bit more water, just a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar. You want it just right so it glides onto your cookies beautifully.

Assembling Your Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

This is the grand finale! Make sure your cookies are totally, completely cool. If they’re even a little warm, the frosting will melt right off, and that’s just sad. Grab your cooled cookies and your luscious buttercream. You can use a spatula, an offset spatula, or even a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. Spread a generous amount of frosting onto each cookie. You can go for a simple, rustic swirl, or try to make it super smooth and neat. Decorate with sprinkles if you like! Now you have gorgeous, homemade sugar cookies with buttercream frosting ready to be devoured!

Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Making these sugar cookies with buttercream frosting is such a joy, and a few little tricks can make them absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about paying attention to the details, just like Grandma taught me! Here are my go-to tips to ensure your cookies turn out wonderfully:

• Ingredient Temp is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the dough, and your eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything emulsify properly for a lighter cookie. For the frosting, room temperature shortening works best for that smooth, fluffy texture.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Seriously, that two-hour chill time for the dough isn’t just a suggestion! It’s vital. It firms up the butter, making the dough easy to roll and cut without spreading too much in the oven. Cold dough equals perfectly shaped cookies!
• Handle Dough Gently: When you’re rolling and cutting, try not to overwork the dough. A light touch and minimal extra flour will keep your sugar cookies tender. If the dough gets too warm or sticky, just pop it back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
• Watch Them Bake: These sugar cookies bake super fast! They go from perfect to brown in a flash. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last minute or two. You want them lightly golden, not dark.
• Cool Completely: I can’t stress this enough – let those cookies cool *all the way* before you even think about frosting. A warm cookie will melt your beautiful buttercream, and nobody wants a frosting puddle!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Got questions about making these delightful sugar cookies with buttercream frosting? I’ve got you covered! Baking is all about practice, and sometimes a little extra guidance makes all the difference. Here are some common queries I get, along with my best tips to help you achieve cookie perfection!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead recipes. You can prepare the sugar cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to roll out. It’s perfect for when you want fresh cookies but don’t have a lot of time on baking day!

How do I get my buttercream frosting to be the right consistency?

Achieving the perfect buttercream frosting consistency is all about balance. If your frosting is too thick and stiff to spread, slowly add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired texture. If it’s too thin and runny, gradually beat in more sifted confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up. The goal is a smooth, spreadable consistency that holds its shape but isn’t hard to work with.

What is the best way to store sugar cookies with buttercream frosting?

Once your sugar cookies with buttercream frosting have completely cooled and are frosted, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can sometimes make the cookies a bit tough and can cause the frosting to get sticky. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking to the cookies on top.

Understanding the Nutritional Value of Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Now, let’s talk about the numbers for these delightful sugar cookies with buttercream frosting. While these treats are definitely about taste and joy, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the exact nutritional content can wiggle around a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and how generous you are with that frosting! For more information on general baking nutrition, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

Nutrient	Amount (per cookie with frosting)
Calories	112
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	14mg
Sodium	68mg
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	0g
Sugars	11g
Protein	1g

Share Your Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Creations!

I just love seeing your baking adventures! Have you made these delightful sugar cookies with buttercream frosting? I’d be tickled pink if you’d share your experience in the comments below, maybe give the recipe a star rating, or even tag me in photos of your beautiful creations on social media! Your feedback and photos truly make my day and inspire everyone else in our baking community.

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