Butter Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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There’s something timeless and comforting about classic butter sugar cookies. They’re simple yet indulgent, crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and carry that rich, buttery flavor we all grew up loving. Whether it’s a holiday tray, birthday treat, or just a sweet bite with your coffee, these cookies fit right in. But what takes this version to the next level is the velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and balances the sweet cookie base beautifully. Together, they create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy.

These cookies aren’t overly complicated, but they’re designed to impress. The dough is easy to handle, doesn’t require chilling, and bakes into perfectly golden rounds every time. The frosting, meanwhile, is whipped until fluffy and light, making it an ideal topping for anyone who loves bakery-style cookies but wants to make them at home.

The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. You can dress these up with colored sugar or sprinkles for festive occasions, cut them into fun shapes for themed parties, or keep them simple for an elegant cookie platter. Kids love decorating them, and adults can’t stop reaching for seconds.

Unlike many frosted cookies, these aren’t overly sweet. The balance of flavor means you can enjoy more than one without overwhelming your palate. That’s a rare find in the world of sugar cookies.

What makes this recipe even better is the texture. These cookies strike the perfect balance—crisp enough to hold their shape but soft enough to bite into without crumbling. The frosting adds creaminess that complements the cookie base rather than overpowering it.

The ingredients are pantry-friendly, making this a go-to recipe for impromptu baking days. If you bake often, you likely already have everything on hand.

You don’t need any special tools or advanced baking skills. This recipe is designed for beginner to intermediate bakers, but it delivers results that rival professional bakeries.

The process is straightforward and rewarding. From the first stir of the batter to the final swirl of frosting, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel confident in the kitchen.

It’s also ideal for gifting. These cookies stay fresh for several days, pack easily, and look beautiful in boxes or jars.

If you’re hosting, these are crowd-pleasers. Set them out at a brunch, baby shower, or office party, and they’ll be gone before anything else.

They also freeze well—both the cookies and the frosting—so you can bake ahead and assemble when needed. That makes them perfect for busy schedules or holiday prep.

The cream cheese frosting is a standout component. It adds a depth of flavor you won’t get with plain icing and pairs exceptionally well with the buttery base. You can flavor it with citrus zest or a hint of almond extract if you want to tweak it for a different vibe.

All things considered, this is more than a sugar cookie recipe—it’s a reliable, delightful classic you’ll come back to again and again.

So whether you’re baking for others or just yourself, these butter sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting are a sure win. Let’s get into it.

Servings

Makes 24 cookies

Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Frosting and decorating: 15 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the cream cheese frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Scoop dough using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place them on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
12. Mix in vanilla extract.
13. Once cookies are completely cool, frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting.
14. Decorate with sprinkles or sugar if desired.
15. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing to get a smooth frosting.
• Don’t overbake; pull cookies as soon as edges turn golden.
• For cleaner frosting, use a piping bag or offset spatula.
• Add a little lemon or orange zest to the frosting for a fresh twist.
• These cookies can be made a day ahead and frosted just before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and universally loved—ideal for any occasion.

Butter sugar cookies topped with smooth cream cheese frosting are a classic treat that never disappoints. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging yourself.