Buttercream sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. Soft, sweet, and often decorated with colorful frosting, these cookies are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a simple dessert at home. Their simple flavor and soft texture make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. With a buttery taste and a fun design, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why Make This Recipe
Making buttercream sugar cookies is not only easy but also rewarding. The cookie dough is simple to mix and can be made ahead of time. The cookies hold their shape well, making them ideal for decorating. Plus, you can customize the buttercream frosting with different colors and flavors to match any theme or celebration. They are a cheerful addition to cookies trays and a great way to spend time with family or friends in the kitchen.
How to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of butter with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix until smooth, about 1½ minutes.
- Scrape the bowl, then add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Mix for about 1 minute until combined.
- On low speed, add the flour mixture gradually, stopping to scrape the bowl. The dough should form a ball around the paddle when ready.
- Gently shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and press it into a 1-inch thick disk. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to three days.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on the baking sheets about 1 inch apart. If the dough is warm, chill the sheets in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven for about 7-8 minutes until puffy. Let them rest for 2 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
- For the buttercream, beat 1 cup of butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and ¼ cup of heavy cream, mixing on low until combined.
- Increase speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of salt if the frosting is too sweet. Color as desired with gel food coloring.
How to Serve Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Serve these delicious cookies on a festive plate. They can be left plain or decorated with buttercream frosting and fun sprinkles. They are great for parties, or just enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
How to Store Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they are frosted, keep them in the fridge for freshness. They will stay good for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies before frosting; they will maintain their freshness for a month.
Tips to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading while baking.
- Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes for different occasions.
- Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding a pinch of salt.
Variation
For a different flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough or use different extracts (like mint) in the frosting. You could also use royal icing instead of buttercream for a different decorating style.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to three days before rolling and baking.
2. How can I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps it hold their shape. Also, make sure your butter is not too soft when mixing.
3. Can I decorate the cookies in advance?
You can decorate cookies in advance, but store them in a single layer to avoid smudging the frosting.
Enjoy your baking and have fun making these delightful buttercream sugar cookies!
Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 375g
- 2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 226g
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 226g
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar 480g
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- a pinch of salt Adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of butter with kosher salt on medium speed until combined.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix until smooth.
- Scrape the bowl and add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes.
- Place cookies on baking sheets about 1 inch apart; chill if the dough is warm.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes until puffy; let rest for 2 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
Frosting
- Beat 1 cup of butter until smooth in a mixing bowl.
- Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream; mix until combined.
- Increase speed and whip until fluffy; adjust sweetness with salt if needed.
