Heavenly Buttery Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing
Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Heavenly Buttery Sugar Cookies that promise to be the star of your dessert table. These cookies are not just delicious; they melt in your mouth and boast a perfect balance of buttery flavor with a touch of sweetness. The dough is a dream to work with, rolling out effortlessly and maintaining its shape during baking—no more cookie mishaps! Once cooled, each cookie can be adorned with vibrant, homemade icing that hardens beautifully. Feel free to customize the icing in any color to match your occasion or holiday theme. While these cookies are delightful on their own, the option to enhance their sweetness is available by adjusting the sugar in the dough. Just remember to plan ahead, as the dough needs to chill for at least 2 hours before rolling out. This timeless recipe yields approximately 35-40 cookies, making it perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or satisfying your sweet cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened (no substitutes))
sugar
1 cup
eggs
2
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
3 1/4 cups
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
confectioners' sugar
2 cups (sifted)
milk
1 tablespoon (adding more if needed)
light corn syrup
1 tablespoon
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla)
food coloring
(use your choice of colors)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Add in 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Continue to mix until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just blended.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough.
5
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper, avoiding any grease.
6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
7
Place the cut cookies on the lined cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on wire racks.
9
For the icing, in a small bowl, combine 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar with 1 tablespoon milk. Stir and add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10
Mix in 1 tablespoon light corn syrup and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until the icing is glossy. If it's too thick, add a bit more corn syrup.
11
Divide the icing into separate bowls, adding food coloring to each until you reach the desired hue.
12
Decorate the cooled cookies by either brushing or dipping them in the colored icing. Allow them to set on waxed paper until hardened.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Buttery Sugar Cookies?
They are melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a perfect balance of buttery flavor and a touch of sweetness, topped with a smooth, colorful icing.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 35-40 cookies, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
How long should I chill the cookie dough?
The dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to firm up before rolling and cutting.
Can I use a butter substitute for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using softened butter with no substitutes to ensure the best flavor and texture.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking these sugar cookies.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies bake quickly, taking only 4 to 6 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
What gives the icing its glossy finish?
Adding light corn syrup to the icing mixture gives it a professional, glossy appearance.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
Yes, you can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar used in the dough.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours and avoiding greased cookie sheets helps the cookies maintain their shape.
What should I use to line my cookie sheets?
It is best to line your cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
Should I grease the cookie sheets?
No, you should avoid greasing the sheets; use parchment paper instead.
What flavoring extracts are used in the dough?
The dough uses a combination of vanilla extract and almond extract for a rich flavor.
What flavor is the icing?
The icing is flavored with almond extract, though you can substitute it with vanilla if you prefer.
How do I create different colors of icing?
Divide the prepared icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each until you reach your desired hue.
How long should the icing set after decorating?
Allow the decorated cookies to set on waxed paper until the icing has completely hardened.
What can I use if I don't want almond extract in my icing?
You can use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract as a substitute for the almond extract in the icing.
What should I do if the icing is too thick to spread?
If the icing is too thick, add a bit more milk or light corn syrup until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color.
Can I use any shape for these cookies?
Yes, because the dough maintains its shape so well, you can use any cookie cutters you like.
What is the texture of these sugar cookies?
These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery texture that is soft yet firm enough to hold icing.
How do I apply the icing to the cookies?
You can decorate the cooled cookies by either brushing the icing on or dipping the cookies directly into the icing.
Is it necessary to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Yes, sifting the sugar ensures the icing is perfectly smooth and free of lumps.
Can I skip the chilling step for the dough?
No, chilling for at least 2 hours is essential for the dough to firm up enough to be rolled and cut properly.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, since the dough requires at least 2 hours of chilling, it is perfect for preparing ahead of time.
What kind of flour should I use?
This recipe calls for 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?
Always roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to keep it from sticking.
Are these cookies good for holiday themes?
Absolutely! You can customize the cookie shapes and icing colors to match any holiday or occasion.
How should I beat the butter and sugar?
Use an electric mixer on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the butter and sugar are light and fluffy.
What makes these cookies 'heavenly'?
The combination of high-quality butter, almond and vanilla extracts, and a glossy, sweet icing makes them a standout treat.