The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Holiday Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting
There is nothing quite like the nostalgia of a classic holiday sugar cookie. These aren’t your average grocery store finds; they are thick, pillow-soft, and topped with a velvety vanilla buttercream that melts in your mouth. Whether you are hosting a Christmas cookie exchange, looking for a festive holiday dessert, or simply want to fill your home with the warm scent of vanilla and butter, this recipe is the gold standard.
The charm of these cookies lies in their perfectly domed shape and the vibrant explosion of festive sprinkles that make every tray look like a winter wonderland. They strike the ideal balance between a sugar cookie and a shortbread—sturdy enough to hold a generous layer of frosting but tender enough to dissolve with every bite.
The Essential Ingredients: Why They Work
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structural foundation for the cookie, ensuring it stays thick and doesn’t spread too thin in the oven.
- Unsalted Butter (Softened): Using high-quality butter is the key to that rich, buttery flavor. Softening it to room temperature allows for a lighter, fluffier crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar aids in aeration during the creaming process, contributing to the cookie’s soft rise.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, providing moisture and richness to the dough.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: This is the aromatic soul of the cookie. Using pure extract rather than imitation ensures a deep, authentic flavor.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This combination creates the perfect lift, resulting in that signature soft-baked “puff” rather than a flat, crispy edge.
- Powdered Sugar (for Frosting): The base of our buttercream frosting, providing a smooth, grit-free finish.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Just a splash is needed to achieve the ideal spreading consistency for your frosting.
- Assorted Holiday Sprinkles: These add the final touch of visual magic and crunch, featuring classic colors for the ultimate holiday aesthetic.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Holiday Success
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). This step is crucial for cookie aeration.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: For the best results, wrap the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Scoop and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the tops should still look soft and pale.
- The Cooling Phase: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Whip the Buttercream: Beat butter and powdered sugar together, adding cream slowly until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Decorate with Flair: Using a small spatula, apply a generous swirl of frosting to each cookie. Immediately top with festive sprinkles so they stick to the fresh icing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Batch
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft-baked. If the edges turn golden brown, they will lose that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a seamless emulsion in the dough.
- Layering for Freshness: Use parchment paper between layers in your container to keep the frosting and sprinkles intact.
Serving & Gifting Suggestions
These cookies are a magnificent addition to a holiday dessert board. Serve them alongside white hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. For a sophisticated touch, pair them with a sparkling Moscato at your next holiday party. Because they hold their shape so well, they are also the perfect candidate for DIY cookie kits or as a “thank you” gift for neighbors and teachers.