Frosted Sugar Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Sweet Treats
Are you ready to embark on a delightful baking journey? This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating perfectly frosted sugar cookies, from mixing the dough to achieving that stunning, frosted finish. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for everyone. Let's get started!
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
This recipe yields approximately two dozen cookies, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring (optional, for vibrant hues)
Instructions: Baking Bliss
Making the Cookie Dough:
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Get creative! Stars, hearts, trees – the possibilities are endless.
- Bake: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential before frosting.
Making the Perfect Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Salt and Coloring: Add a pinch of salt and any desired gel food coloring. Mix until well combined.
Frosting Your Masterpieces:
- Spread the Frosting: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a knife or piping bag to frost your cookies. Get creative with designs!
- Let it Set: Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.
Tips for Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents spreading.
- Cool Completely: Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add sprinkles: Sprinkles add extra color and fun!
- Different Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint.
- Chocolate Frosting: Use melted chocolate instead of powdered sugar for a rich, chocolatey frosting.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade frosted sugar cookies! They're perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a sweet treat any day of the week. Share your baking creations with us using #FrostedSugarCookiePerfection!
