Frosted Vanilla Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a rich buttery flavor with a sweet, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their soft texture and delicious frosting, they are ideal for decorating and sharing. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside as we will combine it with the wet ingredients later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The extracts will add a wonderful flavor to your cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also roll the dough into balls for a more uniform shape.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. If you wish to add color, divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in food coloring as desired.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top of each cookie using a spatula or a piping bag for decorative designs.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for these cookies?
While you can use margarine, the flavor and texture may differ slightly. For the best results, use unsalted butter.
How do I store frosted vanilla butter cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without frosting.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to the dough for added flavor and texture.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can either omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different flavor.