Perfect Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe for Holidays

Posted on November 15, 2025

soft frosted sugar cookies - featured image

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, fluffy sugar cookie topped with creamy, colorful frosting during the holidays. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly brings back childhood memories of baking with family, the kitchen filled with the warmth of the oven and the sweet scent of vanilla. These Perfect Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also fun to make with loved ones. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking routine!

I first started making these cookies years ago when I wanted to impress my friends at a holiday party. I was nervous because sugar cookies can be tricky—they’re either too hard or too bland. After a few trials (and some flops), I cracked the code for the perfect softness and flavor. And the frosting? Oh, it’s the creamy, dreamy cherry on top. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or just to snack on while watching your favorite holiday movie, these cookies are the ultimate treat.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility—you can customize the frosting colors, decorations, and even the flavors to match your holiday vibe. Let’s dive into the magic of these cookies and create a holiday tradition you’ll cherish for years to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture: Soft, pillowy cookies that melt in your mouth—no crunch here!
Easy Frosting: A smooth and creamy frosting that’s a breeze to whip up and spread.
Customizable: Add festive sprinkles, food coloring, or even flavored extracts to make these cookies uniquely yours.
Holiday Vibes: These cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer. Bake them for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any winter celebration.
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands to help with decorating and taste-testing! Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

After testing this recipe over and over again, I can confidently say it’s foolproof. The secret lies in chilling the dough and using a specific rolling thickness—don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step! These cookies are not just another sugar cookie; they’re soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect soft frosted sugar cookie.

Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for a creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that classic cookie flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature help bind the dough.
Pure vanilla extract: The key to a rich and warm flavor—don’t skimp here!
Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and enhances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The base of your cookies—make sure to measure accurately.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the frosting:

Unsalted butter: Softened for a silky smooth frosting.
Powdered sugar: Creates that fluffy texture.
Milk or heavy cream: Adjust to your desired consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.
Food coloring: Optional, but great for adding festive flair.
Sprinkles: Choose holiday-themed sprinkles for decoration!

See? All pantry-friendly ingredients you don’t have to hunt down. Plus, there’s room to make substitutions if needed—like using almond milk instead of cow’s milk or swapping almond extract for lemon extract for a citrus twist.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the cookie dough and one for the frosting.
Electric mixer: A hand or stand mixer works best for creaming the butter and sugar.
Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the cookie dough evenly.
Cookie cutters: Holiday-themed shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes are perfect for this recipe.
Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Spatula: To spread the frosting smoothly.
Wire cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

If you don’t have cookie cutters, don’t worry—you can use a glass to cut simple round shapes. Also, if you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle works in a pinch!

Preparation Method

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Mix until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for soft cookies that hold their shape.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies should not brown!
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: Beat 1/2 cup (115g) softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
Decorate: Spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies using a spatula or piping bag. Add sprinkles for a festive touch.

And there you have it—soft, frosted sugar cookies that will make your holiday season a little sweeter!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t skip chilling the dough: This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they stay soft.
Measure your flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Roll evenly: Use guides or a rolling pin with thickness rings to ensure your cookies bake uniformly.
Don’t overbake: The cookies should be soft and pale. If they start browning, they’re overdone!
Frost when cool: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.

Learning these little tricks over time has made my sugar cookies consistently perfect. Don’t rush, and enjoy the process!

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
Flavor Twists: Replace almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy zing.
Seasonal Decorations: Use pastel-colored frosting for spring or red and blue for patriotic holidays.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

My personal favorite? Adding crushed peppermint candies to the frosting for a wintery, minty twist!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa. Arrange them on a festive platter and watch them disappear in no time!

To store, place cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months! To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

If you’ve frosted the cookies, be sure to let the frosting set before stacking them. Trust me, you don’t want to spend time peeling cookies apart!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per cookie (approx.):

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Sugar: 14g

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they’re a great option for portion-controlled indulgence. Butter provides a dose of healthy fats, and the almond extract adds depth of flavor without extra calories. Just enjoy them mindfully, and they’ll fit beautifully into your holiday celebrations!

Conclusion

These Perfect Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are truly the ultimate holiday treat. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting them to friends, or hosting a festive get-together, these cookies are a must-have.

What makes this recipe even better is how you can make it your own—change up the frosting colors, add unique flavors, or get creative with decorations. It’s all about spreading holiday cheer, one cookie at a time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and mixing bowls, and let’s get baking! Be sure to leave a comment below and share photos of your creations—I’d love to see how you’ve added your personal flair to this holiday classic.

Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these cookies!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough evenly?

Use a rolling pin with thickness rings or guides to ensure your dough is rolled to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. This helps the cookies bake evenly.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag. For the dough, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Do I have to use almond extract?

Nope! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to leave it out or swap in another flavor like lemon or peppermint extract.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

The key is to chill the dough for at least 2 hours. This solidifies the butter and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Pin This Recipe!