Save to Pinterest These buttery sugar cookies topped with a sweet, colorful icing drizzle bring a touch of joy to any table. Simple to prepare and perfect for parties or casual treats, this classic American dessert combines a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base with a playful, glossy finish that you can customize with your favorite colors.
Save to Pinterest The blend of vanilla and the gentle sweetness creates a nostalgic flavor that delights cookie lovers of all ages. The light icing drizzle adds a delicate sweetness and decorative flair that makes these sugar cookies stand out without overwhelming their tender texture.
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- For the Icing Drizzle
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Cream butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- 3. Add egg and vanilla
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- 4. Combine dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- 5. Shape cookies
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- 6. Bake and cool
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 7. Prepare icing
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If desired, divide and tint with food coloring.
- 8. Drizzle icing
- Once cookies are cool, drizzle icing over the tops using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Adding a pinch of lemon zest to the icing adds a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the sweetness. For easier handling, chill dough briefly before baking. If you prefer a crisper cookie, extend the baking time by a minute or two while watching closely.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. You can customize the icing colors with natural food colorings or experiment with adding a little almond extract in place of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these sugar cookies on a festive platter at tea time or parties. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or milk. For extra flair, decorate with sprinkles before the icing sets to add colorful textures and make them irresistible for kids.
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With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these sugar cookies make baking approachable for everyone. Their versatility and classic flavor profile ensure they will become a staple in your dessert repertoire, perfect for sharing or enjoying any time of year.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve soft sugar cookies?
Use softened butter and avoid over-mixing the dough. Baking just until edges turn golden ensures a tender texture.
- → Can I add color to the icing drizzle?
Yes, food coloring can be mixed into the icing for vibrant decoration without affecting flavor.
- → What is the best way to cool the cookies before icing?
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the icing from melting upon application.
- → Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend works well to accommodate gluten-free needs.
- → How can I add a citrus twist to the icing?
Incorporate a small pinch of lemon zest into the icing for a refreshing citrus flavor.