Perfect Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Perfect Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are delightfully soft, buttery, and flavorful treats ideal for any occasion. Paired with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Easy to bake and decorate, they can be customized with your favorite colors and shapes.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare the Dough: 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: 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 Dough: 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 the 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.
- Make the 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 the 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, so plan ahead if possible.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Adjust baking time depending on your oven and cookie size to achieve desired softness or crispness.
- Food coloring in the frosting is optional and perfect for festive occasions.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
Keywords: sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, soft cookies, cookie recipe, baking, holiday cookies