Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing

Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing are the epitome of classic comfort baking — buttery, tender cookies topped with a smooth, sweet glaze that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy baking day, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweetness and softness. The vanilla icing adds a delightful sheen and flavor that takes these cookies from simple to spectacular.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it captures the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned bakery cookies — soft, pillowy centers, lightly golden edges, and that irresistible vanilla aroma.

It’s a recipe that brings people together; decorating them with icing can be a fun, creative activity for kids or adults. Plus, they taste even better the next day when the icing sets perfectly!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s foolproof, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a beginner baker or experienced in the kitchen, these cookies turn out beautifully every time.

You can customize them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or even holiday designs. They store and freeze well, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead for festive occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per cookie (with icing)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Snack / Holiday Treat

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, for softness)

For the Vanilla Icing:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the cookie dough.
2. Chill it for 1 hour.
3. Roll out, cut shapes, and bake until soft and slightly golden.
4. Prepare the vanilla icing.
5. Cool cookies completely, then decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If too dry, mix in 1 tbsp milk.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two portions.
2. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps the dough firm up for easier rolling).

Step 3: Roll and Cut

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
3. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
2. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Icing

1. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency — add more milk for thinner icing or more sugar for thicker icing.
3. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Decorate

1. Spoon or pipe icing onto cooled cookies.
2. Add sprinkles while the icing is wet.
3. Let the icing set completely before stacking or storing.

How to Serve

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate. They make perfect holiday gifts — pack them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip chilling the dough — it prevents cookies from spreading too much.
• Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
• For the softest cookies, avoid overbaking — remove them when edges are just set.
• You can flavor the icing with almond extract or lemon zest for variation.

Variations

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and ½ tsp lemon juice to the dough.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Spiced Cookies: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
• Holiday Edition: Use themed cutters and colored icing for Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze dough discs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked, un-iced cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready.

Special Equipment Needed

Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q2: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt to just a pinch.

Q3: How do I get vibrant icing colors?
Use gel-based food coloring for more intense hues without thinning the icing.

Q4: Why did my cookies turn out hard?
They were likely overbaked. Remove them as soon as the edges set and tops are matte.

Q5: Can I substitute the icing with something else?
You can use cream cheese frosting or melted white chocolate for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing are the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. Their buttery flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and customizable decorations make them a timeless classic that fits any celebration or cozy weekend bake. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or making edible gifts, these cookies always deliver smiles — one sweet bite at a time.