Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe with Icing That Shines

Every December, the smell of butter and sugar fills the air, and suddenly the kitchen feels like the happiest place in the house. This easy sugar cookie recipe with icing makes that magic effortless. Soft, buttery centers meet crisp edges, and the shiny icing dries smooth enough for stacking or gifting. It’s the kind of cookie that turns simple ingredients into cozy holiday joy.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe with Icing

These cookies hold their shape beautifully and bake up soft in the center with just a touch of crunch. The icing is quick to make and perfect for both spreading and piping. You can chill the dough ahead, bake in batches, and decorate at your own pace. They also store well for days, so they’re great for gifting or making ahead for a Christmas cookie swap.

What You Need

Before you start, set out your butter to soften. Grab a hand mixer, a few mixing bowls, measuring cups, and cookie cutters. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Have plastic wrap ready for chilling the dough, and if you plan to decorate, keep piping bags or zip-top bags on hand.

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

• Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a rich, tender texture. Avoid melting it, or your cookies will spread too much.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar gives a crisp edge and perfect sweetness.
• Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma. Try swapping part of it for almond or lemon extract for a flavor twist.
• Flour, baking powder, salt: These balance structure and lightness. Always spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies.

Pro tip: If the dough feels sticky after chilling, dust lightly with flour or chill a bit longer. Letting it rest at room temperature for a few minutes helps prevent cracking while rolling.

Sugar Cookie Icing Ingredients

• Powdered sugar: The base for smooth, glossy icing.
• Milk: Thins the icing to your preferred consistency.
• Corn syrup: Adds shine and helps the icing set with a soft, glossy finish.
• Vanilla extract: Adds flavor depth.
  Add gel food coloring for vibrant holiday shades, and finish with sprinkles or candies before the icing sets.

How to Make This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe with Icing (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the dough
Beat butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 2–3 hours.

Step 2: Roll and cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough on a floured surface to ⅛ inch for crisp cookies or ¼ inch for soft ones. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.

Step 3: Bake
Place cutouts on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake; the centers should still look pale.

Step 4: Cool
Cool cookies completely before icing. Warm cookies will cause the icing to melt and lose its shape.

How to Make Icing for This Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more sugar. The ideal icing should hold its shape briefly when drizzled before sinking back.
Divide and color as desired. Pipe borders with thicker icing, then flood the centers with a thinner version for a polished, glossy look. Allow icing to dry completely before stacking.

Decorating and Customization Tips

Use small piping bags for precision or spread icing with a spoon for a rustic finish. Create marbled effects by swirling two colors together before spreading. Kids love to help by adding sprinkles or pressing small candies into the icing. You can even try patriotic sugar cookie bars ideal for holiday trays or pumpkin sugar cookies with seasonal flair for different themes.

Expert Tips for the Best Sugar Cookies

If your dough cracks, let it warm slightly before rolling. Sticky dough? Chill longer or dust with flour. To keep cookies from spreading, always bake on cool sheets. For the icing, cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent crusting. Stir or massage before reuse to restore its smooth texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. They also freeze beautifully for several months. Keep icing covered and airtight for up to a week, either in the fridge or at room temperature. Always place plastic wrap directly on the icing’s surface to keep it fresh.

Flavor Variations

Swap half the vanilla for almond extract for a bakery-style twist, or add lemon extract and zest for brightness. You can also sprinkle fine sanding sugar before baking for a subtle sparkle. Try these alongside soft pumpkin snickerdoodles perfect for fall and winter or chewy pumpkin cookies with warm spices for a cozy cookie tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• peppermint bark brownies for a festive chocolate twist
• red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
• chocolate crinkle cookies recipe for classic holiday baking

Conclusion or Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a tray of freshly baked sugar cookies cooling on the counter, waiting for their shine of icing. This easy sugar cookie recipe with icing delivers that festive joy without fuss just soft, buttery cookies and a smooth, glossy finish. Bake them for Christmas, birthdays, or any cozy weekend afternoon. Share a few, save some, and don’t forget to check out more ideas on Pinterest or Facebook.

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