Sugar Cookies with Almond Icing Recipe

Introduction

These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Topped with a smooth, creamy icing, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter (softened, for icing)
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
• 1/4 cup milk
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C).
2. Step 2: In an electric stand mixer, cream 1 cup of softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined.
5. Step 5: Roll dough into balls about the size of a golf ball and place them on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently press down each ball to flatten. Note that the cookies won’t spread much while baking.
6. Step 6: Bake for 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look dry.
7. Step 7: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking tray.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, prepare the icing by mixing 1/2 cup softened butter, 3–4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth and spreadable. Adjust milk or sugar to reach your desired consistency, adding food coloring if using.
9. Step 9: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a classic vanilla flavor, omit the almond extract or substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract in the icing.
• If you want firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the icing for festive decoration.
• Use a piping bag for the icing to create beautiful designs with precision.

Storage

Store the iced sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven to soften the icing slightly if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Bring it to room temperature slightly before rolling and shaping.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

These cookies naturally don’t spread much due to the dough consistency, but chilling the dough before baking can help maintain the shape even better.

Sugar Cookies with Almond Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 479 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweetened, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Topped with creamy almond-flavored icing, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make from scratch, they use simple ingredients and bake quickly, making them perfect for holiday baking or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Icing

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In an electric stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
3. Mix in Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to mix everything evenly.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough just comes together.
5. Form and Flatten Dough Balls: Roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently press each dough ball down, as the cookies will not spread much during baking.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear dry.
7. Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the tray to maintain their shape and texture.
8. Prepare Icing: Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk in a bowl. Mix until the icing is smooth and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken as needed. Add food coloring if desired.
9. Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread the prepared icing evenly over their tops.

Notes

• Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and tender.
• Rolling dough balls ensures uniform cookie size for even baking.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
• Adjust powdered sugar and milk in the icing to achieve your preferred consistency.
• Food coloring can be added to the icing for festive variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookies, homemade sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, almond icing, classic cookies, butter cookies