Frosted Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies with almond extract are based on our family’s go-to frosted sugar cookies, a cookie that has been part of our Christmas tradition for as long as we can remember. Lightly sweet, soft, and buttery with just a hint of almond. Every holiday season, these are the cookies we make, frost together, and share, and this version stays true to what makes them special. Simple, timeless, and filled with tradition, these cookies are a reminder that some of the best recipes are the classic ones we have always loved!
Our Family’s Almond Extract Secret
One little family secret about these cookies is that most people make classic sugar cookies just vanilla, and you are more than welcome to skip the almond if you prefer, but that touch of almond extract is what our family has loved for years, and my mom especially adores it. It’s subtle, warm, and adds a depth of flavor that makes the cookies feel truly special. That small addition is our family’s secret twist, the thing that makes these cookies a little extra and keeps us coming back every year!
Why I Measure in Grams
…and you might want to, too
If you’ve ever made the same recipe twice and gotten two totally different results, the measuring method is often the reason.
Professional bakeries almost always measure by weight, not volume. Measuring cups leave room for inconsistency—especially with ingredients that pack differently depending on how you scoop or pour them. A scale removes all of that guesswork.
One of the biggest offenders is sugar. Different sugars (and even the same sugar measured by different people) can vary wildly in volume, but 100 grams is always 100 grams. Measuring by weight gives you repeatable, bakery-consistent results and cuts down on extra dishes at the same time.
Use This Buttercream for Anything!
The Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Ingredients To Prepare
Before baking, take a few minutes to gather the ingredients below and to ensure that they are soft, chewy, and perfect for decorating!
Once you have all of the ingredients ready to go, you’re officially set up for Christmas sugar cookie success. I always recommend measuring everything out ahead of time so the process is smoother, and you can focus on making the most delicious cookies possible!
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Christmas sprinkles
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (convection). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar for 1–2 minutes, until the mixture turns pale and off-white.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the bowl.
- Gently fold or mix on low speed just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing.
- Scoop ⅓ cup portions of cookie dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look soft.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a round bowl, cup, or cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie right after baking to clean up the edges.
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the butter on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes, until smooth, fluffy, and off-white.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar until thick.
- Add the heavy cream, increase speed to high, and whip for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy with soft peaks.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Frost cooled cookies and finish with festive Christmas sprinkles.
- Enjoy fresh, or store in a chilled environment for up to 8 days.
Nutrition
Private Notes
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