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Sugar Cookie Recipe: Easy Soft No-Spread Cookies for Perfect Frosting

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These soft, pillowy sugar cookies are easy to make, hold their shape for perfect decorating, and have a gentle vanilla flavor. The no-spread dough is ideal for frosting and holiday shapes, making them a cozy treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) almond extract (optional)
  • 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
  • Extra flour, for dusting
  • Parchment paper, for lining
  • For Frosting (optional):
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) milk or dairy-free alternative
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
  • Food coloring & sprinkles (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Add butter and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add granulated sugar and continue beating for 1-2 minutes until airy.
  3. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) on low speed until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, beating on low until just combined. If dough is too sticky, add another tablespoon of flour.
  6. Turn dough onto parchment paper, pat into a disc about 1-inch thick, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer to baking sheet with a thin spatula.
  9. Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are just set and centers look slightly underdone. Rotate pans halfway for even baking.
  10. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For frosting (optional): Beat together powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Color and spread as desired.
  12. Decorate cooled cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or as desired.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese. Add lemon or orange zest for a flavor twist. Bake one test cookie to check texture before baking the whole batch. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, no-spread cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe, holiday cookies, frosted cookies, baking, dessert, kid-friendly, Christmas cookies

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/sugar-cookie-recipe-easy-soft-no-spread-cookies-for-perfect-frosting/