Description
This Small-batch Frosted Sugar Cookies recipe yields soft, slightly chewy cookies with a flavorful hint of vanilla, topped with a rich, creamy frosting and optional colorful sprinkles. Perfect for those looking for a quick batch of classic sweet treats with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cookies
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (105g) all-purpose flour (measured by weight or using the spoon and sweep method)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (76g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar (optional for rolling)
Frosting
- 3 tablespoons (1.5oz) unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg white and vanilla: Beat in the egg white and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and forming a soft dough.
- Optional rolling: If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar onto your work surface and roll the dough lightly to prevent sticking.
- Shape cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out dough (approximately 6 equal portions) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of milk or cream; beat to combine. Add more milk if frosting is too thick. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost cookies: Using a knife or spatula, spread the frosting evenly over cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles if using. Let frosting set before serving.
Notes
- This Small-batch Frosted Sugar Cookie recipe delivers soft cookies with a pleasant chew and a sweet vanilla flavor.
- Frost generously for classic sweetness and texture contrast.
- Optional sprinkles add fun and color—never skip the sprinkles!
- Using the handheld electric mixer makes creaming easier but is not required.
- Measure flour by weight or use spoon and sweep method to avoid dense cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 229
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
