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Cozy Star-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Buttercream Frosting

star-shaped sugar cookies - featured image

These cozy star-shaped sugar cookies with buttercream frosting are simple, sweet, and perfect for sharing. The buttery dough holds its shape well, and the fluffy frosting adds a creamy, not overly sweet finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • For the buttercream frosting:
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional food coloring or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, then stir in vanilla extract and almond extract if using. Mix until just combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix on low speed until dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Chill the dough: Form dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut cookies: Roll one disc of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes and transfer to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. Re-roll scraps and cut more stars.
  8. Bake: Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft.
  9. Cool completely: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully.
  10. Prepare buttercream frosting: Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream or milk. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust thickness as needed.
  11. Frost and decorate: Use offset spatula or piping bag to frost cooled cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter if desired.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the star shape and easier rolling. Use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Adjust frosting consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream as needed. Cookies can be stored at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, star-shaped cookies, buttercream frosting, easy cookies, holiday cookies, cozy cookies, baking, festive treats