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Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy for First Day of School Treats

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Soft frosted sugar cookies with a tender, chewy texture and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that stays soft and never cracks. Perfect for first day of school treats or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ยพ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • For the Frosting:
  • ยฝ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons (1530 ml) milk or heavy cream
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed just until dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. For flatter cookies, gently press each ball with the bottom of a glass or palm.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft. Do not overbake.
  8. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.
  9. To make frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between additions.
  10. Stir in vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream to reach spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
  11. Spread frosting evenly on cooled cookies using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  12. Let frosting set for about 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overbake cookies; they will firm up as they cool. Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting. Adjust frosting consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. For gluten-free version, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan margarine and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: soft sugar cookies, frosted sugar cookies, vanilla buttercream frosting, first day of school treats, easy sugar cookies, soft cookies recipe