Description
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Description:
Bake with love!
These frosted sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you want to show you care. Add heart-shaped sprinkles for an extra touch of love!
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup butter (softened)
1 ¼ cups sugar
1 egg + 1 yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pink frosting and heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions:
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
Roll out dough, cut shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Frost and decorate when cool.
#BakingWithLove
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ¾ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened 1 cup butter and 1 ¼ cups sugar on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the whole egg, then the extra yolk, one at a time, followed by the 2 tsp vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
5. Chill Dough: Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This prevents spreading.
6. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, re-rolling scraps.
7. Bake: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just set. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a decorative platter for a party or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as a heartfelt gift. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or as a sweet finish to a celebratory meal. For a cookie buffet, offer a variety of frosting colors and sprinkle types to let guests customize their own.
How-to Summary
To make frosted sugar cookies, first whisk your dry ingredients. Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to form a dough. Chill the dough, roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake. Once completely cooled, decorate with pink frosting and heart-shaped sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough discs can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
Why did my cookies spread too much? This is usually due to butter that was too warm or dough that wasn’t chilled sufficiently. Ensure your dough is firm before baking.
How do I get vibrant pink frosting? Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense color without thinning the frosting. Add color gradually.
How should I store frosted cookies? Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking.
Can I freeze these cookies? You can freeze unfrosted baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve. The dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or overly soft butter, which causes excessive spreading.
- Skipping the chilling step for the dough.
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour, which leads to tough cookies.
- Frosting cookies before they are completely cool, causing the frosting to melt.
- Baking on an unlined or greased baking sheet, which can cause over-browning on the bottom.
Conclusion
These frosted sugar cookies are a timeless, joyful treat perfect for sharing love on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve soft, sweet cookies with a professional, decorative finish. The process of baking, frosting, and decorating is a wonderful way to create edible gifts that truly come from the heart. Happy baking!
