This Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing simplifies seasonal baking with effortless decorations. The cookies boast crisp edges and soft centers, while the icing makes showcasing your creativity straightforward and mess-free.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 3-4 hours (depending on icing set preference)
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly balanced texture with crisp edges and soft centers.
• Simple icing requires minimal ingredients and sets beautifully.
• The dough is easy to work with, particularly for intricate shapes.
• Make-ahead friendly, ensuring less holiday stress.

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed: Forms the base of the dough; add extra as needed for rolling.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides slight lift for soft centers.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened: Offers richness and ensures tender cookies.
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and aids in browning.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature: Acts as a binding agent.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Provides a warm base flavor; pure form recommended for best taste.
• 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Enhances the flavor, providing a subtle nutty aroma.
• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar: The foundation for the icing; dissolves easily for a smooth finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Flavoring option for the icing; omit for pure white color.
• 2 teaspoons light corn syrup: Helps with a glossy, smooth icing application.
• 4.5–5 Tablespoons (67–75ml) room temperature water: Provides the necessary consistency for the icing.
• Pinch salt: Enhances flavor balance in icing.
• Optional: gel food coloring & sprinkles: Customize colors and add festive decoration.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl using a stand or handheld mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Incorporate the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until well-combined. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture on low speed. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate an extra tablespoon of flour. Divide the dough into two portions and commence rolling each on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Layer the rolled dough between parchment paper and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1-2 hours to firm up the dough, making it easier to cut into shapes.

Step 4: Cut and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut dough into shapes using cookie cutters and space them about 3 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 11–12 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply Icing

Mix the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, and main portion of water, stirring well. Add more water if necessary to achieve a drizzling consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired, then apply to cookies using a method of your choice. Decorate with sprinkles if using.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the icing consistency is correct?

When the icing drizzles back into the bowl and the ribbon holds its shape momentarily before merging, it’s just right. Adjust with small amounts of water to achieve this.

Can the dough be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough pieces on baking sheets before refrigerating. Once frozen, transfer to airtight containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

What if my cookies turn out too hard?

Overbaking is often the cause. Ensure they are lightly browned only at the edges and that your oven’s temperature is accurate. Using a thermometer can help monitor oven temp discrepancies.