Buttercream sugar cookies are a timeless treat that effortlessly brings joy to any occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday, enjoying a family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet snack with your afternoon tea, these cookies offer the perfect combination of soft, buttery goodness and a delightful sugar crunch. Personally, I’ve always turned to this recipe in times of need—especially during the holidays when the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air. They’re not just cookies; they’re a canvas for creativity, adorned with colorful buttercream or sprinkles, making them suitable for any event.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s a host of reasons to love this buttercream sugar cookie recipe.

Quick and Fun: These cookies come together quickly, making them an excellent choice for impromptu gatherings or school bake sales.
Kid-Approved: Kids love shaping the cookies and, of course, decorating them with their favorite colors and toppings.
Versatile: You can easily modify this recipe for holidays by adding seasonal flavors or themed decorations.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are often staples in your pantry, so you can whip them up without breaking the bank.

"These cookies are a hit every time! The kids love helping in the kitchen, and the buttercream frosting takes them to the next level!" – A Happy Baker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the perfect buttercream sugar cookies is straightforward with a clear plan. Here’s your cooking roadmap:

Prepare your dry ingredients and set aside.
Cream the butter and salt, then incorporate the sugar.
Mix in the egg and vanilla, followed by the flour mixture.
Chill the dough before rolling and baking.
Make the buttercream frosting while your cookies cool.

With this handy overview, you’ll know what to expect from the process even before diving into the specifics.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Pinch of salt

Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed, like using whole wheat flour for a healthier option or dairy alternatives for the butter.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious buttercream sugar cookies:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and kosher salt at medium speed for about a minute until combined.
Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until smooth, approximately 1.5 minutes.
Scrape the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until incorporated, about 1 minute.
Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing on low until everything is combined and the dough forms a soft ball.
Gently shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Press it into a disk about 1 inch thick and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Place the cookies on the baking sheets about an inch apart. If they soften while rolling, chill again for about 10 minutes.
Bake for 7-8 minutes until puffy, then let them cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Best Way to Serve

Once baked and cooled, these buttercream sugar cookies are ready to shine. Here are some creative serving ideas:

Decorative Platter: Arrange an assortment of cookies on a colorful platter for a visual treat.
Holiday Themes: For seasonal occasions, use themed cutters and festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a splash of color.
With Beverages: Pair your cookies with a glass of milk, an herbal tea, or even a cup of coffee for a delightful snack time.
Cookie Sandwiches: Spread buttercream between two cookies for a fun twist that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Storage Tips

Keeping your buttercream sugar cookies fresh is easy with the right approach:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Refrigeration: If decorated with buttercream, you may store them in the fridge for several days. Be sure to use parchment paper to separate layers.
Freezing: For longer storage, cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap then in aluminum foil.

Always practice safe food handling. If you’re unsure about spoilage, trust your senses— if it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it.

Expert Advice

Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain the cookie’s structure while baking.
Piping the Buttercream: For clean and beautiful decorations, consider using a piping bag fitted with your desired tip.
Coloring Buttercream: If you’re adding food coloring, gels work best as they won’t change the consistency of the frosting.

Creative Twists

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, explore these fun variations:

Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Sprinkle Variations: Use themed sprinkles for holidays or personal celebrations to give your cookies a unique flair.

Your Questions Answered

How long do these cookies take to prepare?

The total time, from start to finish, can be around 1.5 to 2 hours, with chilling time included.

Can I substitute the butter?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread that can be creamed.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out.

Embrace the joy of baking these buttercream sugar cookies and let your creativity shine! Happy baking!

Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightful buttercream sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g) for buttercream
4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for buttercream
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and kosher salt at medium speed for about 1 minute until combined.
Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until smooth, about 1.5 minutes.
Scrape the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until incorporated, about 1 minute.
Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing on low until everything is combined and dough forms a soft ball.
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and press into a disk about 1 inch thick. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Roll out chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Place cookies on baking sheets about 1 inch apart. If softened, chill again for 10 minutes.
Bake for 7-8 minutes until puffy, then cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps maintain the structure while baking. Consider using a piping bag for clean buttercream decorations.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: sugar cookies, buttercream, baking recipe, dessert, holiday treats