Effortlessly Delicious: No-Chill Frosted Sugar Cookies Perfect for Any Celebration

There’s a special kind of magic that holiday baking brings, and for many, that magic is encapsulated in the humble yet delightful sugar cookie. Soft, sweet, and wonderfully customizable, cut-out sugar cookies are a beloved tradition, especially when adorned with a creamy frosting. If you’ve ever shied away from making them due to the dreaded dough chilling time, prepare to have your world (and your baking schedule) revolutionized. This incredible recipe for frosted sugar cookies is designed for ease and immediate gratification, requiring absolutely no dough chilling. That means you can mix, roll, cut, and bake without the frustrating wait, making it the perfect choice for busy bakers and impromptu celebrations alike.

The joy of decorating these charming cookies is a highlight of any season. Whether it’s for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just a sweet treat for a Tuesday afternoon, these sugar cookies provide a blank canvas for your creativity. This recipe ensures a reliably soft, tender cookie that holds its shape beautifully without spreading excessively in the oven – a common challenge with many traditional recipes. The secret lies in a specific ingredient choice, which we’ll delve into shortly, promising perfect results every time.

Why This No-Chill Sugar Cookie Recipe Stands Out

Anyone who has baked sugar cookies knows the drill: mix the dough, then wrap it and refrigerate for hours. This waiting period, while sometimes necessary, can be a real buzzkill when you’re eager to get baking or short on time. Our recipe completely bypasses this step, allowing you to go from mixing bowl to oven in a fraction of the time. This efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of quality; these cookies are exceptionally soft, delightfully chewy, and possess that classic sugar cookie flavor we all crave. The ability to bake immediately means more time for decorating and, of course, enjoying your delicious creations!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sugar Cookies and Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating these irresistibly soft sugar cookies, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, requires a selection of common pantry staples. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need and the vital role each plays in achieving cookie perfection:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies. For the best texture, remember to spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to dense, dry cookies. Proper measurement ensures a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives our sugar cookies a slight lift and contributes to their wonderfully soft and airy texture. It helps them become light and puffy, rather than flat and hard.
• Salt: A crucial flavor enhancer. Salt balances the sweetness of the sugar and flour, preventing the cookies from tasting overly saccharine. It also brightens and accentuates the delightful vanilla notes.
• Shortening: The star ingredient and the key to our no-chill dough! Shortening is instrumental in preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping them maintain their beautifully cut shapes. We’ll discuss its benefits in more detail below.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and also contributes to the cookie’s tender texture and slight crispness at the edges. It’s the classic sugar cookie sweetener, offering pure, unadulterated sweetness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the dough together, and adds richness and moisture. Ensure your egg is at room temperature before mixing; this helps it emulsify better with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, contributing to its pliability and softness. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work perfectly in this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: The primary flavoring agent for these cookies. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla extract; two teaspoons ensure a rich, aromatic flavor that truly shines through.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The base of our tangy, creamy frosting. It’s imperative to use brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature, rather than the whipped variety in a tub. Brick cream cheese has a firmer consistency that is necessary for a thick, pipeable frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it its smooth, velvety texture. Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing is highly recommended to prevent any lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth frosting.
• Shortening (for Frosting): A small amount of shortening in the frosting helps stabilize it, especially if you plan to pipe intricate designs, and contributes to a smooth, non-gritty texture.
• Vanilla Extract (for Frosting): Enhances the sweetness and tang of the cream cheese, adding another layer of delicious flavor to the frosting.
• Food Dye (Optional): A drop or two can transform your frosting into any color, perfect for coordinating with holiday themes or party palettes.

The Magic of Shortening: Why It’s Key to No-Spread Cookies

You might be wondering why shortening is highlighted as such an important ingredient in this sugar cookie recipe. Typically, many cookie recipes call for butter, but for a truly no-chill, no-spread sugar cookie, shortening is your best friend. I particularly recommend using Crisco shortening, which is widely available in traditional tubs or convenient 1-cup baking sticks.

The science behind shortening’s superiority in this recipe is straightforward: butter and shortening have different melting points. Butter melts at a lower temperature, which means that as your cookie dough heats up in the oven, butter-based cookies tend to spread out much faster and flatter before they have a chance to set. This often leads to misshapen cookies and the need for refrigeration to firm up the dough before baking.

Shortening, on the other hand, has a higher melting point. This property is precisely what allows these cookies to retain their beautifully cut shapes throughout the baking process, eliminating the need for any pre-baking dough chilling. The shortening helps the cookies maintain their structural integrity even in the warm oven environment, ensuring your stars stay starry and your circles stay round, resulting in consistently perfect cut-out cookies every single time.

Another fantastic benefit of using shortening is its room-temperature stability. Unlike butter, which often needs to soften for a considerable amount of time before it can be creamed, shortening is typically ready to use straight from the pantry. This saves you valuable time and allows you to start mixing your cookie dough immediately, making the entire baking process even more efficient and stress-free. So, if perfectly shaped, soft, and fuss-free sugar cookies are your goal, shortening is the undeniable champion.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Frosted Sugar Cookies

Baking these no-chill sugar cookies is a straightforward process designed for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss. Follow these steps to create a batch of delightful, soft, and perfectly frosted treats:

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform leavening and flavor in your cookies. Set this mixture aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, preferably using an electric mixer, cream together the softened shortening and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
3. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Beat in the room temperature egg, milk, and pure vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of dry flour remain.

Rolling, Cutting, and Baking:

1. Prepare for Rolling: Divide the cookie dough in half to make it more manageable. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll out each half of the dough to your desired thickness. For slightly crisper cookies, aim for about 1/4-inch thick. If you prefer a thicker, softer, and chewier sugar cookie, roll the dough to approximately 3/8-inch thick. I personally love the richer texture that 3/8-inch thick cookies offer.
3. Cut Shapes: Use your favorite 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Re-roll Scraps: Gather any dough scraps, gently press them together, and re-roll to cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cookies in separate batches for 8 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned and the tops appear set. Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your cookies and the size of your cutters. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.
6. Cool Completely: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to allow them to firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before even thinking about frosting them. This is crucial for preventing your frosting from melting and sliding off.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Cheese and Shortening: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened brick-style cream cheese and vegetable shortening until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
2. Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar (preferably sifted) and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. If desired, add 1-2 drops of food dye to achieve your desired color.

Frosting Your Masterpieces:

Once your sugar cookies are entirely cool, it’s time for the fun part! Generously frost each cookie with the homemade cream cheese frosting. For a decorative touch, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter before the frosting sets. Get creative and enjoy the process!

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Freshness

To ensure your delightful frosted sugar cookies remain fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here’s how to handle your baked goods:

• Frosted Cookies: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, these cookies must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality and freshness for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, you can bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for optimal flavor and texture.
• Unfrosted Cookies: If you plan to bake ahead or want to save some for later, unfrosted sugar cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled, unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them on your counter overnight at room temperature, then frost as desired.
• Freezing Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can also be prepared in advance and frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the frosting overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip it with an electric mixer for a minute or two before using to restore its smooth consistency.

Creative Frosting and Decoration Ideas

Once you have your perfectly baked and cooled sugar cookies, the fun truly begins with decorating! The creamy texture of the cream cheese frosting makes it ideal for spreading with an offset spatula for a rustic look, or for piping using a pastry bag fitted with various tips for more intricate designs. Think about different sprinkles – classic rainbow, seasonal shapes, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle. For holiday themes, you can use specific colored food dyes and sprinkle mixes. For example, red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or blue and white for a winter wonderland theme. You can also experiment with piping different borders, flowers, or even writing small messages on your cookies. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild – these cookies are a canvas for your culinary artistry!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making these easy frosted sugar cookies:

• Can I use butter instead of shortening? While you *can* technically use butter, the recipe is specifically designed with shortening to eliminate the need for chilling and prevent spreading. Using butter will likely result in a dough that requires chilling and cookies that spread more in the oven. For best results and the no-chill benefit, stick with shortening.
• How can I make my cookies chewier or crisper? The thickness to which you roll your dough directly impacts the texture. For chewier, softer cookies, roll the dough to 3/8-inch thick. For a slightly crisper cookie, roll it to 1/4-inch thick. Baking time will also adjust accordingly.
• Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, while this is a no-chill recipe, you can prepare the dough in advance if needed. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and cutting.
• How long do these cookies last? Frosted cookies, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, will last for up to 3 days. Unfrosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• What’s the best way to measure flour? Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with the back of a knife. Do not scoop flour directly from the bag, as this compacts it and leads to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.

More Easy Cookie Recipes to Try!

• Classic Sugar Cookies
• Shortbread Cookies
• Cake Mix Cookies
• Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.91 from 11 ratings

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Total Time: 32 minutes mins

These Frosted Sugar Cookies are easy to make and don’t require any dough chilling. The perfect cookie for any holiday!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
SaveSaved!
Leave a Review

Ingredients

Servings: 16 cookies

For the cut-out sugar cookies:

• ▢ 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• ▢ 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 cup (190 grams) vegetable shortening
• ▢ 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 large egg , room temperature
• ▢ 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
• ▢ 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the cream cheese frosting:

• ▢ 1 (8-ounce) package brick-style cream cheese , softened to room temperature
• ▢ ½ cup (95 grams) vegetable shortening
• ▢ 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ 1-2 drops food dye (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

To make the cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the shortening and sugar until well combined. Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness for crisp cookies or ⅜-inch thickness for softer cookies. Cut with 2 to 3-inch cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Re-roll any scrap pieces of sugar cookie dough and cut out more cookies as needed.
• Bake in separate batches at 350° for 8 to 13 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and lightly browned. Baking time will vary based on how thick you roll the cookie dough and the size of your cookie cutter.
• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

To make the frosting:

• Beat the cream cheese and shortening until well combined, then mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined.
• Frost the cooled sugar cookies and top with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

For these cookies, I rolled the sugar cookie dough to 3/8-inch thick and used a 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out 15 to 16 cookies. Baking time was 12 to 13 minutes at 350°F.

Storage instructions: Store frosted cookies in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions: Unfrosted cookies will freeze well for up to 3 months, thaw to room temperature before frosting. The frosting will freeze well for up to 3 months too, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before using it.

Shortening: I prefer to use Crisco vegetable shortening for this recipe.

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Danielle

Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.

Cut-Out Sugar Cookie recipe inspiration adapted from Crisco.