The BEST, soft, cut out, sugar cookies that taste good and hold their shape! With these Buttercream Sugar Cookies, you can unleash your creativity using your favorite cookie cutters and enjoy a delightful decorating experience with buttercream frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion where sweet treats are appreciated, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple with straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a rich flavor that sets these cookies apart from the rest.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a birthday party, these cookies can be decorated to match any theme.
- Perfect Texture: These sugar cookies are soft yet maintain their shape beautifully when baked.
- Fun Decorating Activity: Get creative with buttercream frosting and let your imagination run wild while decorating.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful Buttercream Sugar Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that help streamline the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and ensures the buttercream is whipped to the perfect consistency.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll the dough evenly for consistent cookie thickness.
- Cookie cutters: Essential for creating fun shapes that make each cookie unique.
Ingredients
The ingredients for these delicious Buttercream Sugar Cookies include:
- 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) – for frosting
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g) – for frosting
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for frosting
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract – for frosting
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream – for frosting
- pinch of salt – for frosting
How to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl combine flour (3 cups/375g) and aluminum free baking powder (2 teaspoons) with a whisk. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter (1 cup/226g) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. Add in sugar (1 cup/200g) and beat until smooth, about 1.5 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl, then beat in one large egg and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a little at a time. Occasionally stop to scrape your bowl. The dough should form a ball around the paddle when mixing is finished.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Gently press the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and press into a 1-inch thick disk. Chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Step 6: Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness using additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Arrange cookies on baking sheets about an inch apart. If dough has gotten warm while cutting, chill in the freezer for about ten minutes before baking. Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven for about 7-8 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to rest on the pan for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Decorate as Desired
Once cooled, decorate your cookies as desired!
Step 10: Make Buttercream Frosting
For buttercream, beat butter (1 cup/226g) on medium-high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides of bowl then add confectioners’ sugar (480g), vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream. Mix on low until incorporated then whip on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add pinch of salt if desired.
Now you’re all set to enjoy your delicious Buttercream Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Buttercream sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself, here are some fun serving suggestions.
Cookie Platter
- Arrange an assortment of different shaped cookies on a large platter for a colorful display. This is perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Milk Pairing
- Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk perfectly complements the sweetness of the buttercream.
Decorative Touch
- Add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the buttercream for an extra festive look. This is great for birthdays or holiday celebrations.
Gift Wrapping
- Package cookies in decorative boxes or bags as gifts. A homemade touch always makes a wonderful present for friends and family.
Cookie Sandwiches
- Create fun cookie sandwiches by spreading buttercream between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of deliciousness and is sure to impress.
Coffee Companion
- Enjoy your cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors will enhance your afternoon snack time.
How to Perfect Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Perfecting buttercream sugar cookies is all about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.
- Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps maintain its shape while baking.
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing them when they’re slightly puffy but not browned ensures they stay soft.
- Cool completely: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before decorating with buttercream to prevent melting.
- Mix frosting well: Beat the buttercream until light and fluffy, which creates a smooth texture ideal for decorating.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or colorings to your frosting for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your buttercream sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses such as brie or cheddar for a savory contrast that complements sweet flavors.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruit and cookie slices provides an interactive dessert experience.
- Ice Cream Scoops: Serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that pairs perfectly with warm cookies.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries as a refreshing side that offers a healthy balance.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake brings warmth and spice, making it a delightful combination with sweet cookie flavors.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunchiness and depth, providing contrast to the soft texture of sugar cookies.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over cookies for an added layer of sweetness that enhances their flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Buttercream Sugar Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and tough cookies. Always ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, resulting in dense cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much during baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and adjust as needed.
- Skipping the baking sheet prep: Not using parchment or silicone mats can lead to sticking. Always prepare your baking sheets for easy removal.
- Ignoring cooling time: Transferring cookies too soon from the pan can cause them to break. Allow them to cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Buttercream Sugar Cookies
- Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Decorated cookies can also be frozen; place them in a single layer until frozen, then stack with parchment between layers.
Reheating Buttercream Sugar Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm cookies for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buttercream Sugar Cookies?
Buttercream Sugar Cookies are soft, cut-out sugar cookies decorated with rich buttercream frosting. They maintain their shape and are perfect for any occasion.
Can I use different extracts in the recipe?
Yes! You can substitute almond extract with other flavors like lemon or coconut extract to customize your Buttercream Sugar Cookies.
How do I prevent my sugar cookies from spreading?
Chill your dough before rolling it out, and make sure your oven is properly preheated. This helps maintain the shape of your Buttercream Sugar Cookies during baking.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal for Buttercream Sugar Cookies as it provides the right balance of structure and softness.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly, Buttercream Sugar Cookies will remain fresh in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Buttercream Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various shapes and decorations, making them perfect for any celebration or holiday. Try this recipe and explore endless possibilities with flavors and designs!
Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Buttercream Sugar Cookies, where creativity meets deliciousness! These soft, cut-out sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a birthday celebration. Made with rich vanilla and almond extracts, these cookies not only hold their shape beautifully but also promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can unleash your inner decorator using vibrant buttercream frosting to create stunning designs that will impress family and friends. Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats that are sure to become a beloved favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – for frosting
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar – for frosting
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for frosting
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract – for frosting
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream – for frosting
- pinch of salt – for frosting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine flour and aluminum free baking powder with a whisk. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and kosher salt on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute. Add in sugar and beat until smooth, about 1.5 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl, then beat in one large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a little at a time. Occasionally stop to scrape your bowl. The dough should form a ball around the paddle when mixing is finished.
- Gently press the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and press into a 1-inch thick disk. Chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness using additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Arrange cookies on baking sheets about an inch apart. If dough has gotten warm while cutting, chill in the freezer for about ten minutes before baking. Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven for about 7-8 minutes until puffy.
- Allow cookies to rest on the pan for two minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate your cookies as desired!
- For buttercream, beat butter on medium-high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down sides of bowl then add confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream. Mix on low until incorporated then whip on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add pinch of salt if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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