Name: Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 59 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 egg room temperature; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 Tbsp milk; ½ tsp salt; Pink or red food coloring optional; 3 cups powdered sugar; Sprinkles optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect combination of soft, buttery, and sweet with a dreamy frosting on top, you’re in the right place. This Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites to bake and share. Whether you’re prepping for a party, the holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies have a way of making everyone smile. Plus, they’re super easy to make and totally worth the time – I can’t wait for you to try them!

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Soft Texture: Thanks to the addition of cornstarch and a careful baking time, these cookies stay soft and tender – not crispy or crunchy.
Creamy, Fluffy Frosting: The frosting is whipped just right to be thick and spreadable, giving you that classic sugar cookie vibe.
Simple Ingredients, Outstanding Flavor: Using both vanilla and a touch of almond extract adds a depth of flavor without any fuss.
Easy to Customize: You can color the frosting any way you like or keep it plain – it’s your cookie canvas!

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe, buttery sugar cookies with frosting, easy homemade sugar cookies, soft cookie with creamy frosting - The image shows a white plate holding nine round cookies, each topped with a thick layer of bright pink frosting. The cookies have a light golden-brown color and slightly rough texture. The frosting is creamy with a smooth, slightly uneven spread on each cookie, sprinkled with colorful rainbow sprinkles in reds, whites, blues, yellows, and greens. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some sprinkles scattered around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’ve come to appreciate how each ingredient plays its part in this Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe. From the richness of butter to the lightness that cornstarch brings, these elements work harmoniously to create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie you’ll adore. When shopping, choose good-quality butter and fresh extracts for the best flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures a creamy dough and rich flavor without extra salt.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
Powdered Sugar: Combined with granulated sugar, it contributes to that soft, tender crumb.
Egg: Brings moisture and helps bind the dough.
Vegetable Oil: A little extra fat to keep the cookies soft.
Vanilla Extract: Essential for warm, sweet flavor.
Almond Extract: Just a hint to elevate the flavor – don’t skip it!
All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure – measure carefully for the perfect consistency.
Cornstarch: This is the secret weapon for soft cookies, adding tenderness without heaviness.
Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise subtly, keeping them fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture to the frosting for creamy spreadability.
Food Coloring (optional): Makes your cookies festive and fun if desired.
Sprinkles (optional): Adds that playful, decorative touch.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is. Over time, I’ve personalized it to suit different occasions and cravings — and I encourage you to do the same. It’s your cookie journey after all!

Flavor Variation: Sometimes, I swap almond extract for lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy twist, which makes the cookies feel fresh and bright.
Dietary Mods: For a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter and almond milk in the frosting; just expect a slight texture change, but still delicious.
Seasonal Touch: Red and green food coloring with holiday sprinkles really amps up the festive vibe during Christmas baking marathons.
Texture Tweak: If you like your cookies just a bit thicker, try gently pressing the dough balls only slightly before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Dreamy

Start by adding your softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer. I crank it up to high speed and beat for about 3 minutes. You’ll know you’ve gone far enough when the mixture looks pale, creamy, and fluffy—that’s your green light to move on! This step is essential because it incorporates air for a light cookie base.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients Gently

Next, add the egg, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamy butter-sugar mix. Beat this on medium speed until everything is combined well. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides at least once so nothing gets left behind. The oil adds a silky softness that really sets these cookies apart.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Fold In

In goes the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set your mixer on low speed and blend just until everything is combined into a soft dough – be careful not to overmix here, or the cookies might turn out tough. The cornstarch is subtle but so key for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 4: Scoop, Shape, and Flatten

I use a cookie scoop to portion out even balls of dough—about 3 inches wide and half an inch thick once flattened. If you don’t have one, no worries, a spoon works just fine! Place the spheres on parchment-lined cookie sheets and gently press down each ball with the base of a glass. This step ensures uniform baking and that signature soft texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Barely Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 9 minutes. Timing is everything here—you want the edges just to begin developing a light golden hue while the centers stay soft. After baking, let them rest on the cookie sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This little wait helps the cookies firm up without losing their softness.

Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting and Spread the Love

While the cookies cool, beat softened butter with a wire whisk attachment until pale and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla, salt, and optional food coloring, beating until smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time on low speed, finishing with a high-speed whip for a minute or so to get that light, luscious frosting. Spread it generously over each cooled cookie using an offset spatula or a butter knife, then sprinkle on any fun decorations if you like.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when the edges just start to color—cookies continue to bake slightly as they cool, so this keeps them soft.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room-temp eggs mix together more smoothly, giving you a lush dough without lumps.
Cornstarch Game Changer: Adding cornstarch in the dough makes a subtle but noticeable difference in softness—don’t skip this step!
Even Cookie Sizes: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform baking, so all your cookies come out perfect at the same time.

How to Serve Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkles are my go-to garnish—they add a festive pop of color and a fun little crunch. I like keeping a stash of classic rainbow sprinkles, but depending on the season, I’ll switch to red and green for holidays or pastel colors for spring. You can also try finely chopped nuts or edible glitter for a more elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk—classic and comforting. For a party, I love setting them out with a simple fruit salad or a tray of fresh berries to balance the sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these cookies in mason jars tied with twine or nestled in decorative tins for birthdays and holidays. For special occasions, arranging them on a tiered dessert stand with coordinating frosting colors creates a stunning display. Sometimes, I even pipe decorative borders with extra frosting to make each cookie a mini work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and delicious for about 3 days. If I want them a bit firmer or longer lasting, I pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure the frosting is completely set before storing to avoid any smudging.

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze decorated cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature while still in the container to prevent condensation from ruining the frosting. This method has saved me multiple times during busy holiday seasons.

Reheating

If you want that “fresh-baked” feel, warm the cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave—just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might melt. This little trick makes those soft, frosted treats feel brand new again.

FAQs

What makes these sugar cookies soft instead of crunchy?

The key to the soft texture lies in using cornstarch alongside all-purpose flour, ensuring a tender crumb. Also, baking for just 8-9 minutes at 350°F so the cookies don’t dry out helps keep them soft. Slight underbaking and adding a bit of vegetable oil also contribute to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Can I make this Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a handheld electric mixer or even mix by hand with a sturdy spoon or whisk. It might take a little longer to get the butter and sugars creamy, but it’s totally doable and still delicious.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Make sure to add the milk gradually and don’t exceed the amount called for. Also, whipping the frosting until it’s thick and fluffy helps it hold its shape better. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for a bit before spreading.
Can I use other extracts instead of almond in this recipe?

Yes! Almond extract adds a lovely note but you can swap it for lemon, orange, or even peppermint extract to switch things up. Just use the same amount so the flavor isn’t overpowering.
How long do frosted sugar cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, soft frosted sugar cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days and up to 5 days in the fridge. Freezing is best for extending their life beyond that.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and deliciously simple baking. I’ve gifted these cookies, shared them at countless gatherings, and even sneaked a few as midnight snacks! If you’re looking to impress friends, family, or just treat yourself to some soft, frosted goodness, these cookies will not disappoint. So roll up your sleeves, get cozy in the kitchen, and enjoy every bite—you deserve it!