Sugar Drop Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles Recipe

Sugar Drop Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles Recipe
Sugar drop cookies are a classic, easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion. Adding icing and sprinkles makes them even more festive and delicious.

Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 3/4 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
Make the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Scoop the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.

Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Icing
Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Add Food Coloring: If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each, stirring until evenly combined.

Decorate the Cookies
Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a small amount of icing on top of each cookie using a spoon or a small offset spatula.

Add Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle the icing with your favorite sprinkles before it sets.

Set the Icing: Allow the icing to set completely at room temperature. This can take about 30 minutes to an hour.

Tips
Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If stacking, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: You can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before icing and decorating.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts or citrus zest in the dough for varied flavors.