Easy Sugar Cookies
A simple and delightful recipe for easy sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups butter (at room temperature)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cups butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.125 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk (or as needed)
- to taste food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Mix in the salt, vanilla extract, and egg yolks until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing one cup at a time and avoiding overmixing.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a prepared baking sheet at least one inch apart.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Frosting
- In a bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the almond extract and salt, mixing well, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and milk until fluffy.
Decorating
- Spread the frosting on the cooled cookies and add sprinkles or edible decorations as desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to three months.