Buttercream sugar cookies are a delicious treat that everyone loves. They are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. With their lovely buttercream frosting, these cookies not only taste great but also look amazing. You can decorate them in many ways, making them fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just want something sweet, these cookies will surely bring a smile to your face.

Baking these cookies is simple and requires basic ingredients you probably already have at home. The dough is easy to make, and you can cut it into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Once baked and cooled, the real magic happens with the buttercream. You can pipe it on or spread it with a knife for a beautiful finish. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or share them with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Buttercream Sugar Cookies

You will love these buttercream sugar cookies for their soft texture and sweet flavor. They are versatile, allowing you to customize the shapes and colors for any season or celebration. The creamy buttercream frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes these cookies stand out. Plus, they are easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Once you taste one, it will be hard to stop at just one!

How to Make Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

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**
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
4 cups confectioners’ sugar (480g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract***
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Directions

In a medium bowl, combine flour (3 cups/375g) and aluminum-free baking powder (2 teaspoons) with a whisk. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter (1 cup/226g) and kosher salt (½ teaspoon) on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute.
Add in sugar (1 cup/200g) and beat until smooth, about 1 ½ minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Beat in one large egg and vanilla (2 teaspoons) until combined, about 1 minute.
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a little at a time. Stop to scrape the bowl occasionally. The dough should form a ball around the paddle when mixed. It should be soft, but not sticky.
Press the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and press into a 1-inch thick disk. Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to three days before rolling.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Re-roll any remaining dough.
Arrange cookies on baking sheets about 1 inch apart. If the dough warms up, pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking.
Bake one sheet at a time for about 7-8 minutes, until puffy. Let cookies rest for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cookies as desired. For the buttercream, beat the butter (1 cup/226g) on medium-high for about 4-5 minutes until smooth.
Scrape the bowl and add confectioners’ sugar (480g), vanilla (1 teaspoon), almond extract (1 teaspoon), and heavy cream (¼ cup). Mix on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium-high and whip for about 2-3 minutes. Add a pinch of salt if it’s too sweet. Color as desired with gel-based food coloring.

How to Serve Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Serve your buttercream sugar cookies on a nice plate. You can stack them or arrange them in a fun way. They are great for parties, holidays, or just as a sweet snack.

How to Store Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

Tips for the Best Buttercream Sugar Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for best mixing.
Chill the dough to keep cookies from spreading during baking.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without changing the consistency of the frosting.

Recipe Variations

You can add sprinkles or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a different taste. Try different flavors of extract for the buttercream, like peppermint or lemon, to mix things up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, but the taste and texture may differ. Butter gives the best flavor and softness.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
A: Chill the dough before baking and make sure to follow the recipe closely for the right measurements.

Q: Can I color the dough?
A: Yes, you can add gel food coloring to the dough for a fun look! Just mix it in until well blended.