Description
These buttery, soft sugar cookies have a light, fluffy texture and hold their shape beautifully. Perfect for holiday baking and decorating with icing or sprinkles!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (keeps them soft!)
For the Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions
Make the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls or roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set but cookies remain soft (do not overbake).
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies and decorate with holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- For extra softness: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
- For a thicker frosting: Add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more milk.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if using cookie cutters for best shape retention.