1-First, preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked frosted sugar cookies without any sticking issues. It’s a simple way to make the process smoother from the start.

2-Second, in a separate bowl, sift and whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. This blending ensures a consistent texture in your frosted sugar cookies, helping them rise just right.

3-Third, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, then add 1 large egg and mix until combined. Reduce speed to low and add 1/3 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon pure almond extract if using, while scraping the sides for even mixing. This creates the wet base that gives frosted sugar cookies their tender quality.

4-Fourth, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until fully combined, then cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent spreading, leading to those perfect, soft frosted sugar cookies. For more tips on dough handling, remember the dough is sticky, so drop by tablespoonfuls directly onto the baking sheet.

5-Fifth, remove half the dough and roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls, placing them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each with the bottom of a glass or spoon for even baking. This step ensures your frosted sugar cookies bake uniformly and develop that desirable puffy center.

6-Sixth, bake for 9-13 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden, rotating the sheets halfway through for even cooking. Let the cookies cool completely on the pan to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Timing can be adjusted based on your oven, but watch closely to avoid overbaking.

7-Seventh, for the frosting, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter for 3 minutes until fluffy, then add a pinch of salt and 2/3 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually mix in 2.5 cups powdered sugar until smooth, adding 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream one at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Beat until smooth, and add food coloring if you want to get creative.

8-Eighth, frost the cooled cookies and decorate with candy sprinkles if desired, then let the frosting set before storing. This final touch makes your frosted sugar cookies look as good as they taste. For inspiration on frostings, check out this sugar cookie icing guide from a trusted source.