Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate sugar cookies with a soft texture paired with a simple homemade icing perfect for colorful holiday decorations. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 30 minutes layers granulated sugar, large egg, vanilla extract 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 145 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 24 American cuisine 145 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Roll dough into a ball, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Step 6: For icing, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and pipeable.
  7. Step 7: Decorate cooled cookies with the icing and let dry completely for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating?

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 Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating?

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 Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating 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 Soft Sugar Cookies with Easy Homemade Icing for Decorating?

American christmas 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.

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