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Drop sugar cookies will satisfy that sweet tooth in under 30 minutes with no rolling pin required – just drop and bake for delicious cookies!

A stack of pink frosted drop sugar cookies on a white plate.
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No Roll Sugar Cookies

We may be slightly obsessed with cookies, especially sugar cookies! They are probably our favorite cookie of all the cookies because who can resist a delicious soft cookie topped with frosting and sprinkles?!

These drop sugar cookies are a simplified version of our favorite Frosted Sugar Cookie. They are just as crave-able with only a fraction of the time! No chilling and no rolling means you are enjoying a frosted cookie in under 30 minutes. Easy, right?!

This easy cookie recipe is perfect for last-minute treats and a hit with adults and kids!

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Simplified. There’s no need to roll or cut shapes, simply scoop and drop!
  • Flavorful. Almond extract adds an extra layer of flavor, and the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is perfection!
  • Festive. Adjust the frosting color and sprinkles to fit any event or holiday
A stick of butter on a white plate.

Ingredients

  • โ…“ cup shortening
  • โ…“ cup softened butter – If using salted butter, then omit the ยฝ teaspoon salt.
  • ยพ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg – A room-temperature egg incorporates better than a cold egg.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ยผ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • 1ยฝ cups all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons

Frosting

  • ยฝ cup butter softened – see How to Soften Butter Quickly
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – or ยฝ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk – any type
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • optional – food coloring or sprinkles (press non-pareil sprinkles into the top of the cookie dough and then bake).

How to Make Drop Sugar Cookies

  1. PREP. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. BATTER. In a bowl or stand mixer cream โ…“ cup shortening, โ…“ cup butter, and ยพ cup sugar until fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ยผ teaspoon almond extract, and mix well. Combine 1 teaspoon baking powder,ยฝ teaspoon salt, and 1ยฝ cups flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until blended.
  3. BAKE. Using a cookie scoop, lightly roll the dough ball in your hands, place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (or line with a silicone mat), and press the top of the cookies halfway down.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. FROSTING. Beat ยฝ cup butter until fluffy using a hand mixer. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk. Blend lightly. Add 2 cups powdered sugar one cup at a time. The texture should be solid but soft. Frost cookies.
Several pink frosted drop sugar cookies topped with sprinkles on a cooling rack.

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4.96 from 44 votes

Drop Sugar Cookies

By: Lil’ Luna
Drop sugar cookies will satisfy that sweet tooth in under 30 minutes with no rolling pin required – just drop and bake for delicious cookies!
Servings: 36 cookies (depending on size it may be around 2 dozen)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Cookie

Frosting

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl or stand mixer cream shortening, butter, and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and mix well.
  • Combine baking powder, salt, and flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture until blended.
  • Using a cooking scoop, lightly roll the dough ball in your hands, place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press the top of the cookies halfway down.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Frosting

  • Beat butter until fluffy using a hand mixer. Add vanilla and milk. Blend lightly. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time. The texture should be solid but soft. Frost cookies.

Notes

Store. Keep these drop sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week or in an airtight freezer-safe container for about 3 months.
Freeze. Freeze dough in log form or flash-freeze cookie dough balls. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw dough before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 118kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 69mg, Potassium: 22mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 139IU, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to freeze the dough?

Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw dough before baking. See How to Freeze Cookie Dough.

How to store Drop Sugar Cookies?

Store drop cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days or in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and Iโ€™m the mom of SIX stinkinโ€™ cute kids and the wife to my smokinโ€™ hot hubby, Lo. My momโ€™s maiden name is Luna, and Iโ€™m one of the many crafty โ€œLilโ€™ Lunasโ€ in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.96 from 44 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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48 Comments

  1. Michelle Elliott says:

    Im asking What 11/2 cups of flour mwan

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      It means one and half cups of flour needed ๐Ÿ˜‰ Enjoy!

  2. Tom H says:

    Can I double the recipe at once? Or do I need to make each batch separately if I want more cookies? I once read that it’s not a good idea to double the recipe when making cookies. But if I can, it would be a lot faster.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yes, you can double it the first time. Hope you like them!

  3. Christina says:

    5 stars
    Hello Happy holidays
    I was wondering if this cookie dough batch is freezable? If I freeze them in cookie balls do you know if the cookie dough would come out the same when defrosted meaning the softness? Thanks in advance.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I honestly have not tried with this recipe, so I am not sure if it would change it. They should be ok ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Marie Mar says:

    5 stars
    I haven’t made these no roll sugar cookies, yet. My daughter-in-law had a recipe for one that she made often. They were delicious; and, I loved the convenience of not having to roll and cut. I hate messing with flour. She always rolled them in sugar before pressing them down. I will be making these very soon ๐Ÿ™‚ I also love Snickerdoodles, a close cousin to a sugar cookie.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      My two favorite cookies!! I hope you give them a try & hope you like them!! They are super easy & good!

  5. Bailey says:

    5 stars
    You will probably get a kick out of this, but I went to make this recipe and I was mixing my dry ingredients. I then realized I was out of baking powder. Then I realized I was out of baking soda, and cream of tartar. I basically had to throw these cookies in the oven and hope for the best. I was not dissappointed! They came out perfectly, and the icing was top notch. I added a little bit of sweetened flaked coconut on top of my icing! Definitely my new sugar cookie recipe

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Oh, I am so glad they still turned out! I hate when that happens! Hopefully, you will like them even more when all the ingredients are added ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    I have tried countless dropped sugar cookie recipes; some I tossed in garbage they were so bad. I felt like I was eating a spoonful of sugar with no taste. This recipe by far is the BEST DROPPED SUGAR COOKIE.EASY TO MAKE I USED CRISCO WITH BUTTER IT HAS THE RIGHT AMOUNT IF SUGAR, THEY are everything and much more.I rate this a 10 star…. You must double the recipe for sure; guaranteed to go quickly great cookie for a bake sale. Takes very little time and note lavish ingredients. Thank you????????????????????????????????????

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You are so nice! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found this recipe ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. nary says:

    How many cookies can you make from this recipe?

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You can get a couple dozen, but it also depends on how big you make them. Hope that helps!! Thanks so much!

  8. Kelly says:

    Hi please can you tell me what TB flour is, I’m from the UK thanks

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It is a tablespoon of flour ๐Ÿ™‚ I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!

  9. Becky says:

    5 stars
    I made these yesterday and they are the BEST sugar cookies ever! (and no rolling out and cutting) Thanks! Merry Christmas!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      It’s definitely nice that you don’t have to roll and cut out!! ๐Ÿ˜€ SO glad you like them!

  10. Crystal says:

    I love that you don’t have to roll the dough out. It’s a tradition in our family to make cut-out cookies and decorate them for Christmas. I like this recipe for throughout the rest of the year. Thanks so much for the great recipe!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      We’re used to rolling them too but it’s nice to have a recipe where you don’t have to for those lazy days. ๐Ÿ˜‰