Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade sugar cookies, where each bite is a heavenly experience. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are not only simple to prepare but also a favorite among children, who adore slathering them with creamy buttercream frosting.
The secret to their irresistible flavor lies in the addition of butter flavoring to the frosting, which elevates these cookies to new heights. Easily found in most supermarkets, this special touch brings a rich taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these sugar cookies are sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity with cookie cutters, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of sharing these delightful treats with family and friends.
Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting: Ingredients
- Butter: The heart of these cookies, butter lends a rich creaminess that creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making each bite a delight.
- Sugar: Essential for sweetness, sugar not only enhances flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ delightful crisp edges.
- Eggs: Acting as a binding agent, eggs provide structure and moisture, ensuring the cookies are soft and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, flour gives the cookies their body and helps achieve the perfect balance of softness and stability.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to create a light, airy cookie that rises beautifully in the oven.
- Shortening: Adding to the cookie’s texture, shortening helps achieve a tender crumb while complementing the richness of the butter.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: This finely ground sugar is key for the buttercream frosting, allowing for a smooth and sweet finish that kids adore.
- Flavor Extracts (Vanilla & Butter Flavoring): These extracts elevate the overall taste, infusing the cookies and frosting with a deliciously aromatic essence that makes every bite irresistible.
Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting: A Delightful Treat
Sugar cookies are a classic dessert that brings joy to all who indulge in them. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Topped with a luscious buttercream frosting, they’re sure to please kids and adults alike. To elevate your baking experience, here are some helpful recipe tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least two hours is crucial. It firms up the butter, which helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for just 30 minutes, but longer chilling will yield better results.
- Perfect Cookie Thickness: When rolling out the dough, aim for a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even baking, resulting in cookies that are crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Use a ruler or rolling pin rings to achieve the desired thickness for consistency.
- Frosting Flexibility: For the buttercream frosting, adjust the consistency based on your preference. If you like it thicker, add a little less water; for a creamier texture, add more. You can also experiment with colors and sprinkles to make your cookies festive for any occasion!
What to Serve with Sugar Cookies
- Hot Chocolate: Pair your sugar cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a comforting treat. The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making it an ideal combination for a chilly day or a cozy evening.
- Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of cookies and milk. Serve your sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk to enhance the buttery flavor and provide a refreshing contrast. This simple combination is a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Fruit Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve these cookies alongside a light fruit salad. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh fruits will balance the richness of the cookies and frosting, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
FAQ
1. Can I use different extracts for the frosting?
Yes! While vanilla and butter flavoring enhance the frosting, you can experiment with other extracts such as almond or lemon for a unique flavor twist.
2. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they’re properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.
4. What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, simply add more confectioners’ sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. It’s best to add it gradually to avoid making the frosting too thick.
Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- Butter
- White Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Shortening
- Confectioners’ Sugar
- Water
- Salt additional
- Vanilla Extract additional
- Butter Flavoring Extract
Instructions
- Begin by creaming together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a spacious bowl, using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring with a sturdy spoon until well combined. Chill the dough for two hours to enhance its texture.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes and place the cookies two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 4 to 6 minutes. Once baked, transfer them from the pan and allow them to cool on wire racks.
- To prepare the buttercream frosting, use an electric mixer to beat together the shortening, confectioners’ sugar, water, additional salt, both vanilla extracts, and butter flavoring until the mixture is fluffy. Once the cookies have cooled completely, proceed to frost them generously with the buttercream.