Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing
Delicate sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes, baked to a light golden hue and topped with smooth vanilla icing for a festive treat. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, softened, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for icing
- 2 tbsp blue and white sanding sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Step 2: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Step 7: Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Step 8: Sprinkle 2 tbsp blue and white sanding sugar on top of each cookie for a frosty effect.
- Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden.
- Step 10: While cookies cool, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth for the icing.
- Step 11: Drizzle or spread vanilla icing over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Glazed Snowflake Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Icing?
General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
