Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Icing!)

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. This recipe delivers perfectly tender cookies with a delicate crumb, topped with a smooth, glossy icing that adds just the right sweetness. In just 25 minutes, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

The combination of buttery richness and a hint of vanilla makes these cookies a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re decorating them for a special occasion or enjoying them fresh from the oven, their soft texture and sweet flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients for Soft Sugar Cookies with Icing

• Sugar Cookie Dough:
• ¾ cup (6 oz/170 g) butter, at room temperature (softened for easy mixing)
• ¾ cup (6 oz/170 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (11 ¼ oz/319 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vanilla Icing:
• 2 ½ cups (10 oz/287 g) powdered sugar, sifted (for smooth icing)
• 3 tablespoons (1 ½ oz/43 g) butter, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons milk (or substitute with cream for richer icing)
• ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring of your choice (optional)
• Festive sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sugar Cookie Dough:
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Lay cling wrap on your counter, spoon the dough on top, and shape it into a log about 17 inches long. Roll it up like a sausage and chill for at least 1 hour (or freeze for up to 8 weeks).
7. Bake the Cookies:
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
9. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Make the Vanilla Icing:
12. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick.
13. Add a few drops of food coloring (if desired) and mix until evenly colored.
14. Decorate the Cookies:
15. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to frost the cooled cookies. Scatter sprinkles on top.
16. Let the icing set for about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Creative Icing and Topping Ideas

Take your sugar cookies to the next level with fun icing and topping combinations! Try lemon zest mixed into the icing for a citrusy twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a decadent finish. For a festive touch, use edible glitter or themed sprinkles to match the occasion. You can also experiment with different food coloring shades to create a rainbow of cookies!

Perfect Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. For the icing, avoid stacking the cookies until it’s fully set to prevent smudging.

Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers

Short on time? Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to 8 weeks! When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and pop them in the oven. For the icing, use a piping bag with a small tip for quicker and more precise decorating. If you’re in a rush, skip the food coloring and go for a classic white icing with sprinkles for a simple yet festive look.

Equipment Tips for Perfect Cookies

Using the right tools can make all the difference. A stand mixer or hand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency. For even slicing, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the chilled dough. A small offset spatula is ideal for spreading the icing smoothly, but the back of a spoon works just as well in a pinch.

Common Questions Answered

Wondering why your cookies spread too much? Make sure your dough is chilled thoroughly before baking. If your icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. For a softer cookie, bake for the minimum time (10 minutes) and let them cool completely on the wire rack. These small adjustments can make a big difference!

Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Icing!)

Shaziya

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. In just 25 minutes, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Sugar Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup butter, at room temperature 6 oz/170 g
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar 6 oz/170 g
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 11 1/4 oz/319 g
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Vanilla Icing

• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted 10 oz/287 g
• 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 1/2 oz/43 g
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• food coloring of your choice
• Festive sprinkles

Instructions

 

• To Make the Sugar Cookie Dough In a large bowl, cream together the butter and the sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Mix until just combined.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and mix until a dough is formed.
• Lay some cling wrap on your counter and spoon your dough on top and form a log about 17 inches long. Roll up the log like a sausage and chill the dough for at least 1 hour or pop in the freezer and freeze for up to 8 weeks.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• Slice the cookies around ¼ inch thick. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for roughly 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
• To Make the Vanilla Icing Using a whisk, combine the powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth thick icing.
• Color the icing with a few drops of food coloring then mix until even in color.
• Using a small offset spatula or the back of a small spoon frost the cookies then scatter over sprinkles. Allow setting for about 30 minutes.
• Once set, cover and store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keyword cookie icing, dessert recipe, homemade cookies, soft cookies, sugar cookies

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!