Frosted Sugar Cookies

Our ALL-TIME favorite Sugar Cookie recipe!! These homemade sugar cookies are so soft and have the best, creamy frosting with hints of almond. They can’t be beat!

Sugar cookies are our all-time favorite cookie!! If you feel the same, you’ll love our sugar cookie bars and no roll sugar cookies.

Bite taken out of Frosted Sugar cookie on cake stand.

so soft and so good!

I LOVE homemade cookies, and especially frosted sugar cookies! But, I’m also kinda picky about them.

  • They cannot be crunchy. They have to be super SOFT!
  • Frosting to Cookie Ratio needs to be spot on.
  • Hints of almond are always a must (If you’ve never had a cookie with a hint of almond extract, you haven’t truly lived.)

Fortunately, my mom found the BEST Sugar Cookie recipe years ago and we’ve been making them ever since.

In fact, they are so good that we get requests to make them for different events and/or wedding receptions. They’re really just that good.

In my opinion, the reason this cookie recipe is so good is because it meets all of my above requirements. The texture is soft, they have the perfect amount of frosting and the best flavors of almond in the cookie and frosting.

We think you’ll love them too!

Batter for sugar cookies in mixing bowl.

How to Make Frosted Sugar Cookies

Even though we like to have these cookies a certain way, they’re still quite simple to make – and they don’t need to chill making them even easier.

CREAM. Make sugar cookies by creaming together the butter, cream cheese, sugars, egg and almond extract in a large bowl. Beat at medium-high speed until fluffy.

DRY INGREDIENTS. In another bowl, combine all purpose flour, baking powder and salt.

COMBINE. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir (or mix with hand mixer or in stand mixer) until soft dough forms.

ROLL OUT. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin onto a lightly floured surface to about 3/8″ thick. Cut with a cookie cutter (we typically use round cookie cutters but change the shape often for holidays).

BAKE. Place on baking sheets and bake at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes.

Homemade Sugar Cookie dough rolled out on pastry cloth.

Recipe Tips + Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make sure these cookies turn out nice and soft:

  • When making your dough, do not handle it too much. Over-mixing the dough can make it tough.
  • Roll out the dough to about 3/8″ thick. Thinner dough will cook too fast, making crunchy cookies.

How do I know the cookies are done? There should no longer be a shine to the cookie when they are done, but we also like to use a metal spatula to look at the bottom of the cookie. It should be slightly golden brown, but if it’s completely golden brown, then it’s overdone.

What to do when sugar cookie dough is too dry? If your dough is literally crumbling apart and cracking as you try to roll it, the best thing to do is sprinkle on small amounts of water (water is least likely to change the form of the cookie dough as it bakes) and knead it in until the dough stops breaking.

Be careful to not overdo it and make it gooey!

What to do when sugar cookie dough is too sticky? Make sure you use proper techniques when measuring out your flour so that you get the correct amount that the recipe calls for. If you need to add extra flour, sprinkle in a few tablespoons at a time, until you get the right consistency.

How to Make Sugar Cookies process image - with cookie cutter cutting out shapes.

our favorite Frosting

Everyone has different preferences on their sugar cookie icing. Some like cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting or even royal icing.

Because there is cream cheese in the cookie recipe, we like this classic sugar cookie frosting, which includes:

  • ⅓ cup butter
  • 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • food coloring (optional)

To make the frosting, mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer. Add more milk until it’s the consistency you desire most.

And you can add food coloring if you want to (we prefer the gel food coloring). Top it with some delicious jimmy sprinkles, and you’re set!!

NOTE: Keep frosting in the fridge until ready to frost. Stir well before adding to cookies.

Sugar Cookie Frosting in bowl.

Frequently asked questions about sugar cookies

How to store frosted sugar cookies?

We recommend storing them in an air-tight container (after the frosting has set) and keep them on the counter.

How long do they last?

They should last for up to 4-5 days. You can extend this by a day or two with putting them in the refrigerator.

How to freeze?

If you’re planning on freezing your cookies, try to freeze them before you add the frosting. They’ll hold up better unfrosted. Either way, stack them in an airtight container separated by sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in the freezer.

How to change up for the holidays?

This is easily done based on the cookie cutter shape, color of your frosting and what sprinkles you use to decorate. You can see samples below, but here are links as well:
Valentine’s Sugar Cookies
Easter Sugar Cookies
Halloween Sugar Cookies
Thanksgiving Sugar Cookies
Christmas Sugar Cookies

I could seriously eat a dozen of these sugar cookies! They are just so soft, so flavorful and so delicious! I highly recommend these cookies and would love to get your feedback. 😉

Frosted sugar cookies on white cake stand.

More Collections: Sugar Cookie Recipes

Frosted Sugar Cookie Recipe

4.93 from 100 votes
Our ALL-TIME favorite Sugar Cookie recipe!! They are always so soft and have the best, creamy frosting with hints of almond. Everyone loves these delicious sugar cookies.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 260 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

Cookies

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 egg
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • cups powdered sugar
  • cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup milk plus more as needed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • food coloring

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet and set aside.
  • To make cookie dough, cream butter, cream cheese, both sugars, almond extract and egg in a large bowl or stand mixer until fluffy.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅜ inch thick (roll thinner for more crunchy sugar cookies).
  • Cut with cookie cutters and bake for 9–12 minutes on the prepared cookie sheet. Let cookies sit on the cookie sheet for a few minutes, then remove to a rack to cool.
  • To make frosting, mix all ingredients in a medium bowl with a hand mixer. If too thick, add a little more milk.
  • Frost cookies and let set before storing.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough as directed, cover tightly, and store it in the refrigerator  for 1–2 days before baking. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frost right before serving.

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” 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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Comments:

  1. I have not tried this recipe, but if what you are going to make is just round cookies as shown, you can also roll the dough into a log as big around as you want your cookies, wrap it in saran wrap and throw it in the fridge for a few hours or over night. Then just slice and bake as usual. It avoids the too much handling issue, which can make them harder, and cooking straight from fridge cold seems to make them softer too.

  2. Those look wonderful; just like the ones I see in the store that I can't have because of allergies. I'll tuck this recipe away. Thanks.

        1. Nope, you don’t need to refrigerate them. They stay fresh for 4-5 days on the counter if stored in an air-tight container. I hope the cookies were a hit!

  3. I was smiling along with your “requirements” for cookies – I couldn’t agree more! I am totally intrigued by the soft mat it looks like you are rolling out your dough on – can you enlighten me as to what that is and where I can buy one? I usually roll out right on my counters but this looks like something I need!

  4. Ialso have to have them soft….i may just try this…i never make them b/c they are never up to my standards! Interesting that your mom rolls them out onto a cloth instead of the table. They look nice and thick from the start–another good reminder!

  5. I also agree with adding almond extract. It makes all the difference. Almond extract added to angel food cake mix makes a huge difference also.

  6. I’m not sure if you’ve already answered this, but is it just 3 oz. of cream cheese, or do you use the whole 8 oz. block?

  7. Hi! I just wanted to let you know that you don’t specify when to add the egg and extract in the directions. 🙂 I am sure it is right after you cream the butter and sugars but I thought I would let you know! These look soo yummy- we are going to try them this afternoon! Hope you have a great day!

  8. Cream cheese usually comes in 8 oz. packages. Do we use the whole package or just 3 ounces? Thanks. I’d love to make these with my kids.

  9. 5 stars
    I made these for my family last night. They turned out great! They were so soft. The icing was great too, I made mine purple. (:

    1. This recipe is an all-time favorite!! And we are HUGE fans of soft sugar cookies. 😀 Glad your family liked them!

  10. Hi, thanks for this recipe! I want to make these for Easter this weekend and had two questions: Does the dough need to be refrigerated (and for how long if so) and does it have to be rolled out or could I just drop them onto a cookie sheet? If you had time to answer, that would be great!! Thanks! 🙂

    1. For this particular recipe I recommend rolling out (and not too think… 3/8″ is usually perfect)… I do have a recipe for Drop Sugar Cookies but have not posted that yet. And this recipe does not need to be refrigerated. Good luck!!!

      1. I’m making these cookies with a group and have to ask if the cream cheese amount is just a misprint? Your recipe is recommending “1 package (3oz) cream cheese (softened)”, but cream cheese is usually sold in an 8oz package. They’ll be part of a Get-Well Soon package… I’m going to try the recipe with 8oz first and hope for the best. Thank you for sharing!

  11. Hi there I just made these cookies and they are ao sticky that I can even touch them with out it sticking on my fingers :/ should I add more flour?

  12. Just saw the recipe for the soft sugar cookies, my son loves the ones you can get in the grocery store, but a little expensive. So now I can make them for him :). I do have a question, when do you add the egg and the almond extract? Thanks again for a delicious looking recipe. Have a wonderful day. 🙂

  13. These look so good. I do have a question though. Would it be ok to double the vanilla and not use the almond extract in case someone can not have it? Thank you so much!

    1. I personally haven’t done that, so I’m not sure if that would make it too vanilla-y or not. I wish I could say. I do love vanilla though!

    1. I guess it depends on how big you make them. You can get 2 dozen or more. Hope that helps! Hope you also like this recipe!

    1. I know for me, if my cursor is over the picture, the PIN button will appear. You should be able to PIN any recipe 🙂

  14. For the sugar cookie icing, does it harden to where they can be stacked or placed in treat bags and not look smooshed?

    1. They do hardened, but it doesn’t get hard, if that makes sense. I would definitely frost them in the morning or night before, depending on when you need to stack or put them in sacks.

  15. A hint I learned from my mother (who got it from her’s): Mix 1/2 powdered sugar and 1/2 flour to roll the cookie dough out on.

  16. 5 stars
    I’m pretty particular about sugar cookies. They take too much time and effort UNLESS you’ve got a good recipe then it’s totally worth it. This recipe has quickly become my favorite: Valentines cookies, Christmas cookies, and just because they’re so good cookies.

  17. 5 stars
    Sugar cookies are my favorite! I’ve never wanted to make them, because I hate when they need to be refrigerated or the recipe looks too difficult, but these were easy to make & so soft!! I am so glad I found this recipe!!

  18. 5 stars
    I love sugaR cookies! These are soft and so good with the frosting. They may take a little more time because you have to roll them out but definetly worth the Effort.

  19. 5 stars
    This recipe has never steared US wrong. And we love the cream cheese frosting. These sugar cookies taste like a true Bakery style cookie. Not sure we’ll ever use another recipe again!

  20. 5 stars
    I never have luck with sugar cookies, but with this recipe i did!!! They are so soft and they taSte deliCious!!! We will make again for sure!!!

  21. I made these cookies today and they are wonderful!! The only problem i had was when i went to cut the cookies out with my cute christmaS cookie Cutters, they wouldn’t stay together. Its alMost as if the dough wasn’t hard enough. Any pointers?

  22. 5 stars
    I made these cookies with my son for xmas and they are delicious! I did have one question though. We didn’t use all the icing when we did the cookies and I was wondering how long the icing would last in the fridge before I would have to make more?

  23. 5 stars
    Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite! Sugar cookies are the next best thing. These are incredibly soft and have a hint of almond. They take a little more to make but are so worth it.

  24. 5 stars
    These sugar cookies really do look perfect. I’ve never put cream cheese in a sugar cookie, but maybe that is the trick!

  25. 5 stars
    I was just telling my mom ive only made sugar cookIes twice in 12 years (i have deprived children) beCause they take so long, but this Recipe was quick and yummy. Thanks for sharing.

  26. 5 stars
    THIS STUCK TOGETHER SO BAD THAT I HAD TO END UP MOLDING IT INTO CIRCLES IN MY HANDS… 🙁 WHAT DID I DO WRONG?? HOWEVER, THEY WERE TASTY. 🙂 JUST NOT PRETTY BECAUSE I MOLDED THEM TOGETHER BY HAND AND WASN’T ABLE TO ROLL THEM.

    1. It stuck together, so you couldn’t use the cutters or it stuck to the counter when you rolled it out? Did you use enough flour & powdered sugar? It shouldn’t have been too sticky.

  27. 5 stars
    This recipe is the real deal! I don’t consider myself a baker by any means and rarely bake at home, however, with the Christmas season upon us and having my son who is 3 I thought it would be nice to try not hand at it. This recipe is called “the best” for good reason! The flavor is truly delightful with the notes of almond extract and cream cheese. I’ve never had anything quite like it. And although the directions state the serving size is 24, ibwas able to bake 3 dozen cookies from this and still have a little bit of dough left over. My son and husband love it and I can’t wait to share it with my co-workers. My only con is that I did find the dough when I originally made it very sticky and soft and I had to add more flour. I was worries about over handling the dough but it turned out just fine! This will certainly not be the last time I make these cookies. Thank you, lil’ Luna!

  28. 5 stars
    I made theses for my granddaughter ‘S B-DAY PARTY 2 WEEKS AGO AND MY SON CALLED ME TONIGHT wanting me to make them for his Superbowl party this SUNDAY. He said everyone RAVED about THEM ? GO CHIEFS!

    1. You can use vanilla extract, instead of the almond & a lot of people like to use Greek yogurt for cream cheese, though I have not tried.

  29. When I make cut-out sugar cookies, I like to add Orange flavoring to the frosting. Yum. I bet the almond is good, too.

  30. Hi, im going to make this recipe soon. Do you think it would work if i put baking m&m in the batter?

  31. Will this recipe hold christmas cookie cutter shapes such as candy cane, snow man, snow flake? Or is it too soft for these types of shapes?

  32. 5 stars
    Hi Kristyn,
    I made these tonight and they were the most delicious sugar cookies we’ve ever had!! I did put most of the cookies in the freezer for Christmas time and plan on frosting them once they thaw out. Question? Can I freeze the icing that I made tonight, also? Wasnt sure if it would hold up. Thank you for sharing this recipe! It came out perfectly!! 😊
    Carole

    1. Awe, thank you!! You know, I have not tried freezing the frosting. Not sure how it holds up. I’m sorry, I wish I knew 🙂

  33. 5 stars
    YUM!!! I’m picky about my sugar cookies!! These are delicious! Will be saving This recipe and adding them to my favorites!😄💗

  34. The instructions don’t mention putting the cookie dough in the frig. I would highly recommend this step as rolling out the dough will be difficult and cooling out prior will help rolling out dough easier.

  35. 5 stars
    Love these recipes! The pages are perfectly laid out, very organized and every single recipe is so very easy to follow. Thank you

  36. Any tips on how to roll out the dough. We refrigerated it and when rolling out it stuck to the counter, rolling pin and cookie cutters. Would appreciate your advice.

    1. I put parchment paper down on the counter top and place another piece of parchment paper on top. That way the dough is only touching the paper and not the counter itself or the rolling pin. Plus easy clean up!

      1. 2 stars
        I tried that. Did you take the parchment paper off after you were done rolling? When I did it, half of it stuck to the top piece, and it wouldn’t come off the bottom. I had to throw it all away and find a different sugar cookie recipe.🤦🏾‍♀️ What did you do to make yours work?

  37. Can you please tell me if these cookies have to be refrigerated after there baked because of the cream cheese? Can they be stored in the cupboard?

  38. 5 stars
    I used to always think my sugar cookies were the best, but I decided to give this recipe a try. Wow! They were so good and have now become my favorite sugar cookie recipe!

  39. 5 stars
    These cookies were so easy to make and delicious. The frosting is amazing and my kiddos had the best time decorating.

  40. Anyone know if the cookies spread much in the oven (how close can i put them together)? Also, is the icing pipe-able, and does it set up hard so you can stack them after being iced Thanks in advance!

    1. They don’t spread really greater than the size of cutting them out & the icing doesn’t get hard, so I wouldn’t really stack them. You can try adding more powdered sugar to make them easier to pipe.

    2. 5 stars
      This is now my go-to sugar cookie recipe! It’s amazing and I get so many compliments! I even get orders to make these for friend’s events! I do chill my dough prior to rolling out. I prefer overnight. Then I sprinkle just enough flour on both sides of the dough while rolling it out so that it doesn’t stick to the counter or rolling pin. I do like mine just a bit thicker than the recipe mentions. It’s everyone’s favorite part- how thick and soft they are! If you’ve had trouble with the recipe, try again. This one is a keeper!!

      1. Thank you so much!! How awesome that you even get cookie orders with the recipe. I love how soft they are too! Thanks so much for sharing. Glad you love the recipe. 🙂

    1. I do not. Sorry about that! There are several metric conversion charts that can be found on the internet that use a metric converter to convert measurements for you. If you search “metric conversion charts” you can find the one that you like the best. Hope this helps!

  41. 5 stars
    We make and decorate sugar cookies ever year. I’ve tried so many recipes. These are delicious! A definite keeper.

  42. 5 stars
    These are the best sugar cookies! I’m not an almond fan so I use vanilla extract instead but they are so easy and yummy!

  43. 5 stars
    True to the name of these cookies, they really are the best! My kids had a blast making cookies and decorating them! It was so easy!

  44. 5 stars
    We really loved these cookies! Easy to follow recipe and great flavor. I’m too impatient to have a refrigerated sugar cook dough. Ours were a little sticky so we had to add a little flower.

  45. 2 stars
    This dough is insanely hard to work with. Probably one of the worst recipes I’ve ever tried to follow. Maybe if I used like half of the amount of cream cheese it calls for?? There’s just something wayyy wrong with the texture and I had to add more than a cup of flour to roll it out.

    1. Thanks for the feedback. It definitely is a softer dough, so we like to make sure we have plenty of flour on the counter when rolling it and cutting into shapes. Sure makes a soft cookie though! Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try.

  46. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!

  47. 5 stars
    This is the only sugar cookie recipe I will use from now on. The Almond flavor is just right and it is a super soft cookie. I keep a bit of flour out until rolling them. This makes it easier since the dough is super soft. Excellent!!

  48. 5 stars
    Love that these are soft and have the best flavor. Great sugar cookie! We made them into hearts for valentines but could easily be switched for any occasion. My kids loooved them!

  49. Tried the recipie. So sticky not firm enough to roll out. Had to grab a glob and flatten with my hand. Big mess. I followed the exact amount of ingredients.

    1. Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try. Not sure if you tried this, but we like to generously flour the surface of the counter as we roll out, which helps it not seem so sticky and roll out better.

  50. Hi, I’m just wondering if you chilled your dough at all. In the video it skipped that rolling process. I don’t know about anyone else but I get a lot of my information from all steps to help me with the consistency though the whole process

  51. I am making these cookies now. I used proper measuring techniques for the flour but my dough was very sticky. I ended up adding 8 extra tablespoons of flour and I’m still not sure the dough will be not be sticky to roll and cut. Is the amount of flour in the recipe accurate?

    1. It is! The dough may be a bit sticky, but it sounds like you added in flour just the right way. You can also try chilling the dough. And then of course rolling onto a floured surface. Hope you enjoy the cookies!!

  52. 5 stars
    These really ARE the best sugar cookies. My family raves about them. I’ve even made them with a royal icing for more detailed decorating, and they worked perfectly. These come together super fast because you don’t have to wait for the dough to chill. They do have a sticky dough, but I just cover my counter with a sprinkle of flour and then sprinkle flour as I roll out. They bake beautifully, and they don’t spread and lose their shape. I go back to this recipe every time. They are so addicting. Great recipe. Always recommend it.

  53. Just now making this recipe and my resulting dough is way too soft to even think about rolling and cutting into shapes. Should it have been 4 oz cream cheese?

  54. 5 stars
    This recipe was very easy and the cookies turned out so tasty, soft, and the frosting was nice and sweet. :). Will definitely make this sugar cookie recipe again. Even though the dough was a bit sticky, it wasn’t hard to roll out with a nicely floured surface and a little bit of flour here and there. Highly recommend and thank you for sharing this recipe!

  55. 5 stars
    These sugar cookies were a homerun! My daughter’s friends could not stop raving about them, we had to hide these tasty treats they were going so fast!

  56. I’ve never had a problem with it being too sticky, but yes, you can a little at a time, until it’s the right consistency. Thanks for trying them!

  57. You can what? Add more flour? I’m going to try chilling the dough which is what I do with my Grandmother’s recipe.