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Best Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These sugar cookies are soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, making them the best sugar cookies you’ll ever try. With a rich cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful tangy sweetness, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a classic treat that’s easy to make and universally loved.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • Food Coloring (Optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about one minute. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy, approximately two minutes. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until fully combined.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed wet ingredients, beating until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. Form the dough into a ball and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to overnight for best results.
  3. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Roll and cut dough: Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes, then transfer the shapes carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on your preference. For softer cookies, bake for approximately 8 minutes until just set. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  6. Make the cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously until the frosting reaches a smooth and fluffy consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
  7. Frost the cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each cookie. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Chilling the dough overnight enhances flavor and texture.
  • Baking time can be adjusted to achieve softer or crisper cookies.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  • For a festive look, add food coloring to the frosting or decorate with sprinkles.
  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg