Description

Experience the ultimate bakery-at-home treat with these oversized, chilled sugar cookies topped with a silky almond-flavored pink frosting. This recipe utilizes specific creaming techniques and temperature controls to produce a thick, soft texture that perfectly balances rich butter with floral almond notes.

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, firm but pliable
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup salted butter, softened (for icing)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
1-3 tablespoons milk
Neon pink food coloring

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer fitted with a flex edge beater, cream 1 cup of salted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and pale.
Scrape down the bowl and add the eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, beating until fully emulsified and smooth.
Add 3 cups of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder, mixing on the lowest speed until no dry streaks remain.
Use a #12 scoop to portion the dough into 1/3 cup spheres and place them on the baking sheet with ample space.
Gently flatten each dough ball with your palm until it is approximately 1 inch thick.
Bake for 11-13 minutes until the centers are puffed and the surface is no longer glossy; do not let the edges brown.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan to set the structure.
Prepare the icing by creaming 1/2 cup of softened butter, then gradually adding 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, milk, and pink food coloring.
Spread a thick layer of frosting over each cooled cookie and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

To ensure a perfectly smooth frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing to remove any clumps that might interfere with the creamy texture. When flattening the dough, if it sticks to your hand, a very light dusting of flour on your palm will help create a clean surface. Always serve these cookies cold from the refrigerator to highlight the specific density and complex almond aroma profile.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American