Buttercream sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just want a tasty snack, these cookies never disappoint. The combination of the creamy buttercream frosting with the soft cookie makes each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, they can be shaped or decorated in numerous ways, which adds to the fun of baking.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make buttercream sugar cookies! First, they are simple to prepare, making them a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward.
Another reason is their versatility. You can decorate these cookies for birthdays, holidays, or any special event. The buttercream frosting allows you to be creative. You can use food coloring to make the frosting vibrant or add sprinkles for a fun touch.
These cookies also make a great gift. Imagine giving a box of nicely decorated cookies to a friend or neighbor! Everyone loves homemade treats, and these cookies are sure to bring smiles.
In addition, the smell of cookies baking in the oven fills the kitchen with warmth and happiness. It’s a perfect activity for a family or a fun way to bond with friends. No matter the occasion, these buttercream sugar cookies are a fantastic choice!
How to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Making buttercream sugar cookies involves mixing simple ingredients with care. Below is a detailed guide to walk you through each step so you can enjoy delicious cookies in no time!
Ingredients
To make buttercream sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Follow these steps to make your buttercream sugar cookies:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step helps to ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture. Once mixed, set the bowl aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, take the room temperature unsalted butter and add the kosher salt. Cream the butter and salt together until it becomes fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once fluffy, gradually add the granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack the large egg into the butter mixture, then add the pure vanilla extract. Mix everything well until fully combined.
Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the butter mixture. Do this slowly, mixing until a soft and cohesive dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Once the dough is ready, place it in a covered container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s good to have the oven ready when your dough is ready to go.
Roll Out Dough: After chilling, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin.
Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Place the cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges.
Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial to allow the cookies to set properly.
Make Buttercream: While your cookies cool, prepare the buttercream. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until it is well combined. Add the pure vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream. Mix until the buttercream is fluffy and light.
Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with your delicious buttercream, and decorate as you prefer.
How to Serve Buttercream Sugar Cookies
When serving buttercream sugar cookies, presentation matters! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
On a Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter. You can stack them or lay them out in a neat row. Adding some colorful sprinkles on the platter also looks great.
Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in beautiful gift boxes or jars. You can tie them with ribbons for an extra special touch. This is a lovely surprise for friends and family.
With Milk or Coffee: Offer these cookies with a side of milk or coffee. The combination is delightful and makes for a great snack or dessert.
At Events: If you’re hosting a party, place a tray of these cookies on the dessert table. They are sure to be a hit among your guests!
How to Store Buttercream Sugar Cookies
If you want to store buttercream sugar cookies, follow these easy steps:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and fresh.
Short-Term Storage: For short-term storage, you can layer the cookies with parchment paper inside a container. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their shape.
Long-Term Storage: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Afterwards, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months frozen.
Thawing: When ready to eat, remove the cookies from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Tips to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Here are some helpful tips for making perfect buttercream sugar cookies:
Chill Your Dough: Always chill the dough before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for best results. This helps them mix more easily into the batter.
Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. Over-baking can lead to dry cookies.
Experiment with Flavors: You can add different extracts, such as lemon or peppermint, to the cookie dough for extra flavor. This can change the whole taste of your cookies!
Variation
While this recipe is delightful as it is, you can always add your twist to it. Here are some fun variations you could try:
Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the dough for a tasty twist.
Fun Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles into the dough before chilling. This gives a fun look and taste to your cookies.
Lemon Icing: Instead of buttercream, you can glaze the cookies with a lemon icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a refreshing flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste and texture may differ from using unsalted butter.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious buttercream sugar cookies! They are sure to brighten your day and delight those you share them with. Happy baking!
Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and kosher salt until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and add the pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
- Cool the cookies on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the buttercream by beating the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream. Mix until fluffy.
- Once cooled, frost the cookies with the buttercream and decorate as desired.