Description
These Melt In Your Mouth Sugar Cookies are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened treats made with Greek yogurt for added moisture. Baked until just set and topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. The dough chills for a tender crumb and cuts easily for beautiful shapes, while the optional red food coloring allows for festive customization.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
Frosting
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, soften the butter and beat it together with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the mixture and blend until a uniform dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Transfer the dough into an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours, which helps with rolling and results in a tender cookie.
- Roll and cut cookies: After chilling, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a 2½-inch round or decorative cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for the cookies to puff and become set without browning, to maintain their soft texture.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Cream the butter in a bowl until soft. Add heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract, mixing to combine smoothly.
- Add powdered sugar: Slowly mix in the sifted powdered sugar, then increase the mixer speed to whip the frosting until smooth and fluffy.
- Color the frosting (optional): Add red food coloring drop by drop, mixing thoroughly after each, until your desired shade is achieved.
- Frost the cookies: Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookies, ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for at least two hours is crucial to make rolling easier and to help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting or slipping of the frosting.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream with appropriate plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free yogurt.
- Cookie cutters can be swapped for various shapes to match seasonal themes or personal preference.
- Store baked and frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze the unfrosted cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
