Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Name: Buttercream Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting); 1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional for frosting); ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; A pinch of salt (for frosting)

Jessica Baker

Update : October 27, 2025

Delicious buttercream sugar cookies decorated with colorful frosting.

Indulge in the Delight of Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Imagine a cookie so soft and buttery it practically melts in your mouth. These Buttercream Sugar Cookies are not just any ordinary sweets; they are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a simple afternoon pick-me-up. Having whipped these up countless times, I can confidently say that their fragrant vanilla aroma and exquisite buttercream frosting make them a standout. Once you bake a batch, you’ll understand why these cookies have a special place in my heart (and my recipe book).

Why You’ll Love This Dish

One bite into these Buttercream Sugar Cookies and you’ll be hooked. Here’s why you should add this recipe to your baking repertoire:

Kid-Approved: These cookies are not only fun to decorate but also hard to resist. Children love to participate in the decorating process, which can turn baking into a delightful family activity.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, the holidays, or just want to bake something sweet, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Decorate them seasonally or keep them simple.
Perfectly Sweet: The combination of granulated sugar in the dough and the rich, creamy buttercream ensures a sweet flavor without being overwhelming.

"These cookies are a game changer! Soft, buttery, and that frosting is heavenly. I made them for my daughter’s birthday, and they were devoured within minutes!" – Sarah J.

The Cooking Process Explained

This recipe is straightforward and enjoyable, setting you up for success in the kitchen! Follow these steps throughout the process to create your delightful Buttercream Sugar Cookies:

Whisk Flour and Baking Powder: Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl.
Cream the Butter: Beat the butter and salt until smooth before adding sugar.
Mix and Chill: Integrate other ingredients before allowing the dough to chill.
Roll, Cut, and Bake: Shape your dough, watch them rise in the oven, and let them cool.
Frost and Enjoy: Finish with a sweet buttercream layer that takes these cookies to the next level!

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to create your Buttercream Sugar Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional for frosting)
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
A pinch of salt (for frosting)

In case you’re looking for alternatives, you can swap out the almond extract for more vanilla or even some citrus zest for a fresh twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting to the heart of it, here’s how to prepare your amazing Buttercream Sugar Cookies:

Prep Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together; set aside.
Cream Butter and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and kosher salt on medium speed for about one minute.
Add Sugar: Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth, roughly 1.5 minutes.
Incorporate Egg & Vanilla: Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Flour Mixture: Slowly add the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough to a ¼ inch thickness, cut into desired shapes, and bake for 7-8 minutes.
Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
Decorate: Once cooled, frost your cookies and enjoy!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Buttercream Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a couple of ideas to elevate your serving game:

Decorative Touch: Consider sprinkling colorful sprinkles on the frosting for an added festive flair, perfect for children’s parties.
Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a lovely cup of tea or a tall glass of milk to complement the sweetness of the cookies.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your cookies fresh for longer, follow these storage tips:

At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Refrigeration: If you’ve applied frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator for freshness; they will last around 10 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months in a well-sealed container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost when desired!

Practical Cooking Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
Chill the Dough: Rushing this step can lead to spread cookies. Chill the dough adequately for the best shape.
Watch Baking Time: Each oven is different; keeping an eye on your cookies while baking ensures they don’t overbake.

Creative Twists

Feel like switching it up? Here are a few fun variations you could try:

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a cup of chocolate chips to your dough for a fun surprise.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into your dough for a bright flavor.
Nutty Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts or use different flavored extracts to change up the taste profile.

Common Questions

What is the prep and baking time for these cookies?

The total time is about 1.5 hours, including chilling. Baking takes approximately 7-8 minutes.

Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy option?

Yes! You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute, but it may slightly change the texture.

How long do these cookies last once decorated?

Frosted cookies can last up to 10 days in the fridge. Just make sure they are stored correctly to maintain freshness.

Now you’re all set to indulge in the joy of making Buttercream Sugar Cookies! Happy baking!

Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

Soft and buttery cookies topped with rich buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 teaspoon pure almond extract (optional for frosting)
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
A pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and kosher salt on medium speed for about one minute.
Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is smooth, roughly 1.5 minutes.
Mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract until fully combined.
Slowly add the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the chilled dough to a ¼ inch thickness, cut into desired shapes, and bake for 7-8 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
Once cooled, frost your cookies and enjoy!