Who doesn’t love cookies? Especially when they’re sweet, buttery, and easily customizable! The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies are so much more than your average treat. They’re like a blank canvas you can decorate with sprinkles, frosting, or even a little creativity to match the seasons. Plus, these sugar cookies are perfect for family baking fun or impressing friends with your kitchen skills. Got 30 minutes? That’s all you need for this easy recipe, and you’ll have cookies that are perfect for parties, holiday gift boxes, or just snacking while watching your favorite movie.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
Let’s talk sugar cookies – the classic treat that everyone loves and for a good reason! Whether it’s a tray of neatly iced Christmas tree cookies or fun, colorful stars for a birthday, sugar cookies have an incredible way of bringing people together. The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies recipe takes this tradition to new heights with its super simple process and yummy results. Did you know sugar cookies originated in Pennsylvania back in the 1700s? They’ve come a long way since then, evolving into one of the most popular recipes worldwide. What makes these cookies special is how versatile they are. You can make them your own with different shapes, bursts of color, and delicious frostings. Or keep it classic – just a hint of sugar on top is enough to make anyone smile. These cookies are not only fun to make but also irresistible to eat. Think of them as an edible art project your whole family can enjoy.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The dough is easy to roll and perfect for creating fun shapes.
- Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly delicious.
- Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you need a quick dessert fix.
- Great for creative decorating – perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Can be prepped in advance for busy schedules.
- Requires simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Customizable with different decorations, flavors, or toppings.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies. You could use gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Butter: The secret to that rich, buttery flavor. Unsalted butter works best, but you can use salted butter and adjust the added salt in the recipe.
- White sugar: It gives the cookies their sweetness. Looking for a healthier alternative? Try unrefined sugar or coconut sugar, but note the taste will change.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together. Flax eggs or chia eggs work as vegan substitutes.
- Vanilla extract: For a light and fragrant burst of flavor. Swap for almond extract if you want a nuttier taste.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Start by mixing butter and sugar together until smooth. This creates the base of your dough and gives it that buttery sweetness.
- Step 2: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to add flavor and bind everything together.
- Step 3: Gradually stir in the flour until the dough holds together but isn’t sticky. Chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly flour your cookie cutters and countertop.
- Step 5: Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into your favorite shapes.
- Step 6: Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 7: Let your cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, get creative and start decorating!
Expert Tips for Success
Chill your dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
Don’t overmix the dough; this helps keep the cookies soft.
Lightly flour your cookie cutters so your shapes come out clean.
Always use melted butter for a smoother dough.
The cookies will look soft when done – they firm up as they cool!
Variations and Customizations
Want to try something different? Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy kick. Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract if you’re feeling adventurous. You could even dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a fancier twist! For a festive vibe, use holiday-themed cookie cutters or colored sugar sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Each sugar cookie is about 120 calories, perfect for a light treat. Expect around 5g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and less than 1g of protein per cookie. Although these are more about indulgence than nutrition, you can make them healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar slightly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store your baked sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer for about a month. When it’s snack time, thaw them at room temp and enjoy as they are – no reheating needed!
Recipe Card of The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Ingredients list
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1.5 cups butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by gathering all the ingredients you'll need.
- In a large bowl, blend the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add in your eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover with a wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to a quarter to half inch thickness.
- Utilize cookie cutters to shape your dough. Arrange them 1 inch apart on baking sheets clean of any grease.
- Bake until the cookie edges are just starting to brown, typically between 6 to 8 minutes. Let cookies cool on a wire rack before you decorate.
- Indulge in your delicious handmade cookies!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before using.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
You can use royal icing, buttercream, or just sprinkle some colored sugar on top. Let your imagination run wild!
Why is my dough too sticky?
It might need more chilling. Pop it back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, then try rolling it out again.
Can I skip the egg in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or a chia egg for a vegan-friendly version.
These rolled sugar cookies sound AMAZING! I love that they’re soft, customizable, and perfect for decorating. I might try adding lemon zest for a citrus twist!