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Easy Rainbow Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe Perfect for Homemade Treats

easy rainbow frosted sugar cookies - featured image

A simple and cheerful recipe for tender sugar cookies topped with a creamy delight frosting in vibrant rainbow colors, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • Gel food coloring, assorted rainbow colors

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. If dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer to baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden and centers look slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. While cookies cool, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  10. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons milk or cream to reach spreading consistency.
  11. Divide frosting into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring.
  12. Using a small spatula or spoon, gently spread frosting on cooled cookies in rainbow colors.
  13. Let frosting set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without thinning. If frosting is too stiff, add milk slowly. Let frosted cookies rest on a rack to set frosting and prevent smudging. Dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Cookies can be frozen after baking and frosting for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, rainbow frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy cookies, homemade treats, colorful cookies, baking, dessert