Drop Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 1/4 cups cold butter
unsalted
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. almond extract
or just add more vanilla
- 1 cup softened butter
unsalted
- 3 cups powdered sugar
plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste
or the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- pinch of salt
- holiday sprinkles
Directions
- 1
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes on medium speed or until light and fluffy.
- 4
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until the yellow disappears. Add in the vanilla and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 5
Gradually add in the dry ingredients on medium-low speed and mix just until combined.
- 6
Chill the dough for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
- 7
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Scoop the dough out using a 2 Tbsp. cookie scoop (and roll into balls in the palms of your hands if you'd like too) and drop onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- 8
Bake for 10-13 minutes, or just until the edges are lightly browned. The middles will look soft still, that's OK!
- 9
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes then transfer to a rack to cool.
- 10
Meanwhile, make the buttercream frosting. Using a hand held mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it's creamy. About 2 minutes. Add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, almond extract and salt. Beat on low just to get it combined the increase to medium-high speed until fully incorporated. Adjust as needed, adding more powdered sugar is the buttercream is too thin or a touch more heavy cream if too thick.
- 11
Frost cooled cookies, and top with festive sprinkles. Enjoy!
Drop Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that captures the cozy spirit of the holidays, or simply brightens any day? These Drop Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting are your answer. This recipe promises a super soft, irresistibly chewy cookie that's both easy to bake and utterly delightful, making it a fantastic addition to your year-round baking repertoire.
This recipe works its magic by carefully balancing ingredients for an unparalleled texture. The blend of both all-purpose flour for structure and cake flour for tenderness, coupled with cornstarch, is the secret to achieving that signature soft and chewy crumb. A harmonious pairing of vanilla and almond extracts in both the cookie and the buttercream creates a depth of flavor that is truly captivating.
What can you expect? A cookie that’s remarkably light yet substantial, with a subtly sweet profile that's never overpowering. Each bite delivers a pleasant chewiness, perfectly complemented by the silky-smooth, rich vanilla buttercream frosting. The hint of almond in both elements ties everything together beautifully. These are the kind of cookies that feel gourmet but come with the comforting ease of a classic drop cookie, ready for festive holiday sprinkles or your favorite colors for any occasion.
Customizing these delectable cookies is simple. If you prefer to focus solely on vanilla notes, you can easily use more vanilla extract instead of the almond extract. For year-round appeal, simply swap out holiday sprinkles for sprinkles of any color or theme that suits your celebration. You could even experiment with different frosting colors to match a party theme.
These versatile cookies are perfect for holiday platters, birthday parties, or simply as a comforting treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. Serve them as a sweet ending to any meal or share them with loved ones for an instant mood booster.