Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie adorned with luxurious cream cheese frosting that will transport you straight to dessert heaven! These aren't just ordinary cookies - they're a magical culinary creation that combines classic American baking tradition with a touch of sweet sophistication. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver show-stopping cookies that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside as you'll add it to the wet ingredients later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Once the dough is formed, use your hands to shape it into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Once incorporated, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, use a knife or a piping bag to frost the cookies with the cream cheese frosting. Feel free to get creative with decorations, such as sprinkles or colored sugars.
- Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cut sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting!
Tips
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill Your Dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilled dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain their cut-out shapes.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda to ensure maximum rising power.
- Rolling Technique: Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling out your dough to prevent tough, dry cookies.
- Consistent Thickness: Roll your dough to an even 1/4 inch thickness for uniform baking and professional-looking results.
- Frosting Hack: For ultra-smooth cream cheese frosting, sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
- Decorating Pro Tip: Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, beautiful finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
