Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. These cookies hold their shape beautifully while baking and stay tender on the inside. Topped with a smooth homemade buttercream, they are easy to decorate and loved by kids and adults alike. This is a classic recipe you can use again and again for any celebration.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring, optional
• Sprinkles, optional

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Do not overbake.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.

Step 9: Decorate

Frost cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles. Let frosting set before stacking.

Variations

• Add almond extract for extra flavor
• Use royal icing instead of buttercream
• Add lemon zest for a citrus twist
• Make chocolate sugar cookies by replacing ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder
• Sandwich two cookies with frosting in the middle

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with milk or hot chocolate
• Add to holiday cookie trays
• Package as edible gifts
• Use for themed parties or birthdays
• Display on dessert tables

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Approx. 210 calories
10g fat
28g carbohydrates
2g protein

Conclusion

Cut Out Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Soft, buttery cookies paired with creamy frosting make them perfect for decorating and sharing. This recipe is reliable, easy to customize, and ideal for any celebration.