Gluten-Free Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies
These extra-soft sugar cookies get their tender texture from vanilla pudding mix added to the dough, creating pillowy cookies that stay soft for days. Topped with creamy almond buttercream frosting tinted pink, they're perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or anytime you want a classic cookie with bakery-style appeal. The pudding mix trick ensures these cookies won't dry out like traditional sugar cookies often do.
Ingredients
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, 17.5 oz
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding & pie filling mix, 4-serving size, dry
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Betty Crocker Red Gel Food Color
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F
- 2
Mix cookie mix, dry pudding mix, butter, water and egg with spoon until soft dough forms
- 3
Shape into 12 balls, about 3 tablespoons each
- 4
Place 3 inches apart on ungreased large cookie sheets
- 5
Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until edges are set
- 6
Cool 2 minutes then remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks
- 7
Cool completely, about 30 minutes
- 8
Beat butter with electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth
- 9
On low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar
- 10
Beat in milk and almond extract until smooth and creamy
- 11
Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until frosting reaches spreading consistency
- 12
Tint frosting with red food color to desired pink color
- 13
Spread about 2 tablespoons frosting on top of each cookie
Tips
Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform 3-tablespoon portions for even baking and professional appearance.
Don't overbake - cookies should look slightly underdone when edges are just set for maximum softness.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean application.
Good to Know
covered in single layer in refrigerator up to 3 days
cookies can be baked 1 day ahead, frosted day of serving
at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
avoid overbaking to prevent dry cookies
ensure butter is properly softened for smooth frosting
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
creates chocolate cookies
different color schemes
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
What if I don't have pudding mix?
The pudding mix creates the signature soft texture. Without it, use regular sugar cookie recipe but cookies won't be as tender.
How long do these stay soft?
Properly stored covered cookies stay soft for up to 3 days. The pudding mix helps retain moisture longer than traditional recipes.