Holiday Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

Get ready to fill your holiday season with joy and sweetness by baking Frosted Holiday Bliss Cookies! These delightful treats are soft, chewy, and beautifully decorated with colorful frosting, making them the perfect addition to any celebration. With easy-to-follow instructions that cover everything from selecting ingredients to frosting techniques, you'll create cookies that not only taste delicious but also look stunning on your dessert table. Gather your loved ones, embrace the festive spirit, and make unforgettable memories while baking these special cookies this holiday season!

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Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Colored sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed for desired consistency)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the cookies.

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Setting this mixture aside helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, pure vanilla extract, and pure almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined, avoiding over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.

Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them to allow for spreading.

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s incorporated. Then add in the milk and pure vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If desired, incorporate food coloring for a festive touch, mixing until uniform.

Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a spatula or a piping bag to generously frost each cookie with the buttercream icing. If you like, sprinkle colored decorations on top for added festivity.

Store and Enjoy: Allow the frosting to set for a short time. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24 delicious cookies