Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, classic sugar cookie dough with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to customize colors and shapes for any occasion.
- Fun baking project for kids and adults alike.
- Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Red food coloring
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350 °F (175 °C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.
- Color the dough: Divide dough if desired for multiple colors. Knead a small amount of red food coloring into one portion to create a pink or red dough.
- Shape into flowers: Roll small dough balls and arrange petals by pressing them together on the baking sheet, alternating colored and plain dough for a flower pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are set but not browned. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
- Prep time: ~20 minutes
- Bake time: ~10 minutes per batch
- Total time: ~30 minutes
Variations
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant shades without adding extra moisture.
- Add lemon or almond extract for a flavor twist.
- Decorate centers with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or icing dots.
- Try different shapes hearts, stars, or seasonal cookie cutters.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked shaped dough for up to 2 months and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
FAQs
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t required but can help cookies keep their shape better during baking.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes they’ll be just as tasty without the color.
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes reduce added salt to a pinch.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking; remove from the oven when edges are just set.
Can I frost these cookies?
Absolutely royal icing or buttercream both work beautifully.
Can I use cookie cutters instead of hand-shaping?
Yes roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into flower shapes.
What type of food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes double all ingredients, but work with the dough in batches.
How can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before shaping and baking.
Conclusion
Cute Flower Sugar Cookies are a delightful, customizable treat that brings a pop of color and sweetness to any occasion. With their soft texture and charming design, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
Print
Cute Flower Sugar Cookies
Buttery, tender sugar cookies shaped like blossoms with optional colorful petals, perfect for spring gatherings, parties, or gifting.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies (depending on size)
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Divide dough if making multiple colors. Knead a small amount of red food coloring into one portion for a pink or red hue.
- Shape small dough balls and arrange petals by pressing them together on the baking sheet, alternating colored and plain dough for a flower shape.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are set but not browned. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting dough texture.
Add extracts like lemon or almond for flavor variety.
Decorate cookie centers with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or icing.
Dough can be frozen shaped for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg