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Decorating Sugar Cookies
Michonne Zendaya

Decorating Sugar Cookies

These classic Sugar Cookies are perfect for decorating! Soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully, they make a festive base for royal icing or buttercream designs during the holidays or any special occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • royal icing or buttercream frosting, for decorating
  • sprinkles, colored sugars, and decorations, as desired

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • cookie cutters
  • baking sheets
  • piping bags
  • oven

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Cool completely before decorating.
  6. Prepare royal icing or buttercream. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired. Decorate cookies with piping bags, sprinkles, or colored sugars.

Notes

Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent spreading and ensures sharp cookie edges. Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing colors. Decorate cooled cookies only. Store in airtight containers for up to a week or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.