ROLLED SUGAR COOKIES

Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these rolled sugar cookies are a must-have for any occasion. They hold their shape well, making them perfect for cookie cutters and decorating with icing or sprinkles.

With just the right balance of sweetness and vanilla flavor, these cookies are irresistible. Plus, they store well, making them great for gifting or enjoying throughout the week. The dough is easy to work with, rolling out smoothly without sticking.

Rolled sugar cookies are a classic treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because you love a delicious homemade cookie. Whether you're making Christmas cutouts, Easter shapes, or simple circles, this dough holds its shape beautifully.

The secret to the perfect rolled sugar cookie is chilling the dough before rolling and cutting. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, you can make these cookies easily without any complicated steps.

These cookies are versatile and can be customized with different flavors like almond or lemon extract. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or covered in sprinkles, these rolled sugar cookies are a must-have for any baking occasion!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Perfect Texture: These cookies have crisp edges and a soft, tender center for the ultimate sugar cookie experience.

• Great for Decorating: The dough holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for detailed designs and festive decorations.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, so you don't need anything fancy to whip up a batch.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it easy for party planning or last-minute baking.

• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that kids can help with, from rolling the dough to cutting out shapes and decorating.

• Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the vanilla, add almond extract, or incorporate citrus zest for a unique twist.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

DIRECTIONS

• Step No.1: Prepare the dry ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

• Step No.2: Cream the butter and sugar
  In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.

• Step No.3: Add the wet ingredients
  Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined and smooth.

• Step No.4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients
  Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

• Step No.5: Chill the dough
  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to make it easier to roll out.

• Step No.6: Roll and cut the cookies
  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes.

• Step No.7: Bake the cookies
  Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just slightly golden.

• Step No.8: Cool and decorate
  Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

• Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking and prevent some cookies from overbaking.

• Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking without drying out the dough.

• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just set—residual heat will continue baking them slightly.

• Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

• Cool Before Decorating: Ensure cookies are completely cooled before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.

VARIATIONS

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a few drops of lemon extract for a citrusy twist.

• Almond-Flavored: Increase almond extract to 1 teaspoon for a nuttier, bakery-style sugar cookie.

• Spiced Sugar Cookies: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each baked cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut.

• gluten-free diet Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible to gluten-sensitive eaters.

• Sprinkle Fun: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for a festive, confetti-style cookie.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Enjoy these cookies, plain or decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

FAQ

Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, these rolled sugar cookies are a baking classic.

They are great for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to everyday treats.

Their delicate vanilla flavor pairs wonderfully with different icings, making them fun and customizable.

Because the dough is easy to work with, you can cut out any shapes you like.

Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated, these cookies will be a hit with family and friends.

Plus, they are stored well, so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy it for days. Happy baking!