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This Frosted Sugar Cake Cookies recipe captures that perfect balance of soft buttery sweetness with a delicate hint of almond and vanilla that instantly feels like a celebration. The cookies bake up tender and fluffy, with a smooth pink frosting topped by cheerful rainbow sprinkles that add both color and crunch. These treats remind me of the cozy holiday afternoons spent decorating with family, filling the kitchen with warmth and laughter.
I first made these last winter and they quickly became our goto for any festive occasion because everyone loves that combination of classic buttery cookie and fun colorful frosting.
Ingredients
- Allpurpose flour: the base for a tender yet sturdy cookie spoon and level for accuracy
- Baking powder: gives a gentle rise to keep the texture light and soft
- Salt: enhances all the flavors without being salty
- Unsalted butter, softened: the key to richness and that melt in your mouth feel choose high quality unsalted
- Granulated sugar: balances the buttery flavor and adds slight crisp edges
- Egg: binds the dough and adds a subtle richness
- Vanilla extract: classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the cookie’s taste
- Almond extract: adds a special nutty aroma that sets these apart from regular sugar cookies
- Powdered sugar: creates a smooth frosting with a melt in your mouth sweetness
- Whole milk: thins the frosting to perfect spreadable consistency use fresh milk
- Pink food coloring: for that festive rosy frosting hue
- Rainbow sprinkles: adds a playful crunch and vibrant decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together the flour baking powder and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined and set aside. This ensures even rising and proper seasoning in every bite.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is pale fluffy and airy. Taking the time to cream properly develops air pockets that make the cookies light and tender.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Add the egg vanilla extract and almond extract into the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. Slowly add the dry ingredients while mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Roll the dough into even balls and place them slightly flattened on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. The centers will remain soft but will firm as they cool.
- Make the Pink Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together powdered sugar whole milk and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk little by little to reach the perfect thick yet spreadable consistency. Mix in pink food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cookies have completely cooled gently spread each one with the pink frosting. Immediately sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the frosting so they stick before it sets. Let the frosting firm up before serving.
I love the almond extract’s subtle but unmistakable aroma that elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary sugar cookie. A favorite memory is making a batch with my niece and nephew who took delight in picking just the right sprinkle patterns making each cookie truly their own masterpiece.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness. For longer storage keep unfrosted cookies frozen for up to 3 months and thaw completely before frosting for best results. Frosted cookies can be kept in the fridge for a few days but bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
To make a dairy free version swap the butter for solid coconut oil which adds a subtle tropical note while maintaining texture. If almond extract is unavailable lemon extract makes an excellent alternative for a fresh citrus twist. For a natural pink frosting color a splash of beet juice provides a vibrant hue with a slight earthy sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Add a touch of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus lift. Pair the frosted cookies with a warm cup of tea or a sparkling rosé for a sophisticated contrast. Seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar crystals can be swapped in to match holidays or special events making these cookies versatile for any occasion.
These frosted sugar cake cookies are tender festive and perfect for decorating with family. Chill the dough before baking and use an offset spatula for smooth frosting.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies often result from too little flour or overly melted butter. Measure ingredients precisely and chill the dough before baking to keep the shape.
- → How can I tell when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers might remain soft. Cookies firm up as they cool.
- → Why is my frosting too thin or runny?
If frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar to reach the desired thickness and ensure it holds well.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked but unfrosted cookies freeze well. Thaw completely at room temperature and add frosting before serving.
- → What substitutions can I use for butter and almond extract?
Use solid coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option and lemon extract in place of almond for a fresh citrus twist.