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Perfect Frosted Back to School Sugar Cookies

perfect frosted back to school sugar cookies - featured image
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These soft, buttery sugar cookies are decorated with smooth cream cheese frosting and colorful back-to-school themed designs, perfect for celebrating the start of the school year.

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, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • Food coloring gels
  • Sprinkles, edible markers, and small piping tips for decoration

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: beat in egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  4. Combine dry and wet ingredients: gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until incorporated. Add milk if dough feels dry.
  5. Chill dough: wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30-60 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut dough: roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface, cut shapes with themed cookie cutters, and place on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly golden but centers remain pale.
  9. Cool cookies completely on wire racks before frosting.
  10. Prepare frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then add milk or cream until spreadable.
  11. Color frosting with gels as desired and decorate cookies using piping bags and tips.
  12. Let frosting set for 1 hour before storing or packing.

Notes

Chill dough to prevent spreading and keep shapes. Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant frosting. Cool cookies completely before frosting to avoid melting. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze with parchment paper between layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, back to school, frosted cookies, decorated cookies, easy sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, kid-friendly dessert

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/perfect-frosted-back-to-school-sugar-cookies-easy-cute-decoration-ideas/