Sally Thompson
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a platter of beautifully decorated Rolled Sugar Cookies. These classic cookies are a staple for festive gatherings and family traditions, and they’re as fun to make as they are to eat! With a soft, buttery texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, these cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity, making them ideal for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Why You’ll Love Rolled Sugar Cookies
Rolled sugar cookies are a holiday favorite because they’re versatile, delicious, and easy to customize. They hold their shape perfectly during baking, so you can use any cookie cutter design you like—think stars, trees, snowmen, or candy canes!
Decorating these cookies is also a wonderful activity to do with family and friends, making them the perfect way to create lasting memories during the holiday season. Best of all, they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. From beginners to seasoned bakers, everyone can enjoy making and decorating these delightful treats.
Ingredients for Rolled Sugar Cookies
Creating these festive cookies requires just a few basic pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in giving the cookies their signature taste and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies and ensures they hold their shape when cut and baked.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and a tender texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping them bake to a slight golden color.
- Egg – Acts as a binder and gives the cookies a soft, slightly chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses the dough with warm, sweet flavor. Feel free to add almond extract for a unique twist!
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies puff up just a little for a light texture.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For decorating:
- Royal Icing – Perfect for smooth, glossy designs. You can tint it with food coloring for vibrant hues.
- Sprinkles – Add a festive pop of color and texture.
How to Make Rolled Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create soft, buttery cookies ready for decorating.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: Decorate
When the cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Use royal icing, sprinkles, or any other decorations to bring your cookies to life. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing the cookies.
How Long to Bake Rolled Sugar Cookies
The baking time for rolled sugar cookies can vary depending on their size and thickness. It’s important to bake them just until the edges are lightly golden for the perfect texture—soft in the middle with a slight crunch on the edges. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Thin Cookies (1/8-inch thick) – Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Standard Cookies (1/4-inch thick) – Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Thicker Cookies (3/8-inch thick) – Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as ovens can vary. Once the edges are set and slightly golden, remove them from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store Rolled Sugar Cookies
If you’re not serving all the cookies right away, don’t worry—they store beautifully! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature – Store undecorated or decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent decorations from smudging.
- Freezer – To freeze undecorated cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies can also be frozen, but handle them with care to avoid damaging the icing.
When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature before enjoying or adding final decorations.
Tips for Perfect Rolled Sugar Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out flawless every time, here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Chill the Dough – Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking.
- Use Minimal Flour When Rolling – Too much flour can dry out the cookies. Lightly dust your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking without overdoing it.
- Work Quickly – Roll and cut the dough as quickly as possible to prevent it from warming up, which can make the cookies lose their shape.
- Keep the Thickness Even – Roll the dough to a consistent thickness to ensure even baking. Using rolling pin rings or guides can help with this.
- Customize Flavors – Add a hint of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Rolled Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Rolled Sugar Cookies are a holiday classic, perfect for baking and decorating with family and friends. With their buttery flavor and soft texture, they’re an ideal canvas for colorful icing and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re creating holiday shapes or personal designs, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For decorating:
- Royal icing (tinted with food coloring if desired)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
- To add extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of citrus zest to the dough.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
- To ensure even baking, roll the dough to a consistent thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes