Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Satisfy your sweet tooth by trying this classic recipe with a twist—tried and true sugar cookies with essential oil-infused cream cheese frosting. Give your cookies a delightful minty flavor by adding Peppermint oil to your frosting. Or, use a few drops of Lemon oil to give your cookies a light, citrusy flavor. You can even get creative by combining flavorful oils like Copaiba oil and Lime oil to create a completely new kind of sweet treat. Happy baking! 

Ingredients

Cookies 

1 ½ cups powdered sugar 
1 cup softened unsalted butter 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
1 egg 
½ teaspoon almond extract 
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon cream of tartar 

Frosting 

3 ounces softened cream cheese 
1 tablespoon milk 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
2 cups powdered sugar (add up to ½ cup more as needed) 
Food coloring (optional) 
Essential oils  

Suggested essential oils for flavored frosting:  

2-3 drops Lemon oil 
1 drop Copaiba oil, 2 drops Lime oil 
2 drops Peppermint oil 

Instructions

To make the cookies:  

1. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, egg, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.  
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together. Slowly add this dry mixture to the standing mixer and mix until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  
3. Divide the dough in half, forming each half into a disk. Using plastic wrap, cover each disk tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to 24 hours.  
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit when you are ready to bake the cookies. Use parchment paper or silicone mats to line baking sheets.  
5. Lightly flour your countertop or workspace. Roll the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing a few inches apart. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.  
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are slightly golden on the bottom. Let cool completely before frosting.  

To make the frosting:  

1. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla together. 
2. One cup at a time, add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness.  
3. If desired, add food coloring to color the frosting.  
4. Add essential oil(s) to the frosting mixture and stir well to combine.  
5. Spread frosting in an even layer on cookies. Enjoy!