Name: Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar; 0.25 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2.25 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 cup rainbow sprinkles Additional granulated sugar for rolling

These Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar are soft, thick, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious with the perfect touch of sweetness from colorful sprinkles. Unlike traditional granulated sugar-based recipes, these cookies get their ultra-tender crumb and delicate sweetness from powdered sugar, making them irresistibly smooth and light. Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to love.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe delivers consistent results. The dough comes together quickly, requires no chilling, and yields bakery-style cookies with beautifully cracked tops and cheerful, festive sprinkles. These are the sugar cookies you’ll keep coming back to!

Why Use Powdered Sugar in Sugar Cookies?

Powdered sugar doesn’t just sweeten; it transforms. The ultra-fine texture of powdered sugar incorporates more evenly into the dough, leading to a smoother texture and a soft, tender bite. Plus, it helps the cookies retain their shape while baking, giving you a picture-perfect result every time.

Ingredients for the Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

Unsalted Butter – Brings rich flavor and creamy texture to the cookies. Room temperature is key for proper mixing.

Powdered Sugar – The star of the show! Creates a soft, tender texture unlike any other sugar.

Granulated Sugar – Adds slight crispness to the outer layer for balance.

Egg – Binds the dough together and adds richness.

Vanilla Extract – For warmth and depth in flavor.

Almond Extract – Optional, but adds a lovely bakery-style note.

All-Purpose Flour – Gives the structure needed to hold their shape.

Baking Soda – Aids in leavening and helps create those signature crackly tops.

Cream of Tartar – Prevents sugar crystallization and adds that classic tang.

Salt – Balances the sweetness.

Rainbow Sprinkles – For color, crunch, and joy!

How To Make the Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Roll

Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions. Roll into smooth balls and gently roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for that signature sparkle.

Step 5: Decorate

Press the tops of each dough ball slightly and top with colorful rainbow sprinkles.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storing and Serving These Cookies

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

These sugar cookies are the perfect make-ahead treat for parties or holiday platters. Their vibrant sprinkles and soft texture make them universally loved by kids and adults alike.

What to Serve With Sugar Cookies?

Hot Cocoa

A classic combo that enhances the cookie’s sweetness.

Chai Latte

The warm spices play beautifully with the vanilla and almond notes.

Strawberry Milk

A kid-favorite pairing that feels extra fun.

Creamy Coffee

Balances the sugar with rich, roasted depth.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For an indulgent cookie sandwich!

Whipped Cream Dip

Serve the cookies alongside a simple vanilla whipped cream.

Fresh Berries

Adds a touch of tartness to cut through the sweetness.

Sparkling Lemonade

A fizzy, zesty contrast that refreshes between bites.

If you adore these Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar, you might fall in love with these creative bakes too:

Twix Cookie Cups with gooey caramel and chocolate.
Lemon Churro Cookies that bring tangy brightness with a spiced sugar crunch.
Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake if you want your cookie game to lean into cake territory.
Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies for nostalgic fall vibes.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars if you want soft centers and crispy edges in one pan.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with rainbow sprinkles or go seasonal? Did you add almond extract or skip it?

I love seeing your creative twists on this cozy cookie classic. Ask away if you have questions—I’m here to help.

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Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re dreaming of cookies that are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these Best Sugar Cookies With Powdered Sugar are your new go-to. Perfect for quick dessert ideas or holiday cookie trays, this easy recipe uses powdered sugar to create an incredibly light and delicate texture. They bake up thick and chewy with crackled tops and a colorful sprinkle finish—ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a party or craving a sweet snack, these are a must-bake. Great for both beginners and pros! This is the kind of easy recipe that works for quick breakfast bakes, healthy snack alternatives (yes, we count cookies sometimes!), or cozy dessert ideas. Versatile, fast, and fun.