Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe to Inspire Your Rural Holiday Baking

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Royal Icing

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 9 tablespoons room-temperature water (add more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or ½ teaspoon of flavored extract such as lemon, coconut or peppermint)
• Optional: gel food coloring

For Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until fully combined.

Chill

1. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best). The dough should be firm and easy to roll when cold.

Roll, Cut and Bake

1. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Knead a bit of flour into the dough if it’s sticky.
2. Roll dough to desired thickness and use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
3. Bake at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until bottoms turn lightly golden.
4. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Options

Royal Icing Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder and water.
2. Beat with a mixer on medium speed 5–7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
3. Add vanilla or flavored extract and mix until combined.
4. Adjust with water (thinner) or sugar (thicker).
5. Tint with gel food coloring if desired.

Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions

1. Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl.
2. Beat butter and salt with a mixer on medium-high speed until creamy (1–2 minutes).
3. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar in three additions on low speed.
5. Add vanilla extract.
6. Beat until light and fluffy.

Serving and Decorating Tips

These cookies are perfect for icing, piping or covering with sprinkles. Keep them simple or go all out with colors and designs. They store well in an airtight container and make great treats for neighbors, gatherings or weekend baking traditions.