These are hands down the best rolled sugar cookies you’ll ever make. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look for another sugar cookie recipe again. And trust me, when you make these cookies for others, be ready to hand out the recipe—because everyone will want it!
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a get-together, or just craving something sweet, these sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion. One of the best parts of making sugar cookies is rolling out the dough, cutting it into fun shapes, and decorating it however you want. My personal favorite is using holiday-themed cookie cutters, but these cookies are perfect for any celebration. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these amazing rolled sugar cookies.
Sugar Cookie Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect batch of rolled sugar cookies:
- Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter that’s soft but not too warm. If you press a finger into the butter, it should leave a slight indentation. Avoid using butter that’s too greasy or too cold.
- Sugar: You’ll need plain granulated white sugar for the recipe. When measuring sugar, scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge, like a knife or spatula.
- Eggs: I recommend using large eggs that are cool or at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract: For the best flavor, always go for real vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is your best bet. Make sure to measure the flour properly by fluffing it up first, then spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent will help the cookies rise as they bake, giving them a nice, soft texture.
- Salt: Regular table salt works just fine for this recipe.
How to Make Rolled Sugar Cookies
Let’s break down the process step by step so you can bake these cookies like a pro.
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
The first step in making sugar cookies is to cream the butter and sugar together. Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or handheld), beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The reason for creaming the butter and sugar is to incorporate air into the dough, making your cookies light and airy instead of flat and dense. It’s essential to use butter that’s soft, but not too warm—if it’s too soft, the dough will be too greasy.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Add them one at a time, ensuring that the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next one. After the eggs, pour in the vanilla and mix until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. I recommend starting your mixer on a low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl occasionally to make sure everything is evenly combined.
4. Chill the Dough
After you’ve combined all the ingredients, you’ll need to cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling the dough is crucial because it firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps the dough become easier to work with when rolling it out.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Now that your dough is chilled, it’s time to roll it out and make some fun shapes! Here’s how you can do it:
- Let the Dough Rest: Take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. This will make it easier to roll out. While you wait, preheat your oven, prep your baking sheets, and grab your favorite cookie cutters.
- Roll the Dough: Dust your countertop and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into an even thickness, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. If the dough gets too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for a few more minutes to firm it up again.
- Cut Out Shapes: Dip the edge of your cookie cutter into flour to prevent sticking, then press it into the dough to cut out your shapes. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least an inch of space between each one. This space allows the cookies to bake evenly without running into each other.
Tip: Keep your baking sheet cool! If you’re reusing your baking sheet, let it cool down before placing new cookie dough on it, as a hot baking sheet can cause the dough to melt too quickly.
How to Bake Sugar Cookies
Now that your cookies are shaped and ready, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Here’s how to ensure that your sugar cookies turn out just right:
1. Preheat the Oven
Before you start baking, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer is a good idea to make sure your cookies bake evenly.
2. Bake the Cookies
Place your baking sheet in the oven, ensuring there’s enough space between them for heat to circulate. Bake the cookies for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still light in color. You want them to firm up but remain soft inside.
3. Rotate the Baking Sheet
To make sure your cookies bake evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. Ovens have hot spots, and this simple trick helps to ensure that every cookie gets the same amount of heat for even baking.
4. Cool the Cookies
Once your sugar cookies are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Recipe Tips
To make sure your cookies come out just like mine, here are a few tips:
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the cookies and prevents them from sticking to the sheet. This is especially helpful for delicate cut-out shapes.
- Cool Your Baking Sheets: Be sure your baking sheets are completely cool before placing more dough on them. Otherwise, the warm pan can cause your dough to start melting prematurely, leading to misshapen cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the dough, stop mixing once everything is just combined. Overmixing can cause the cookies to be tough.
How to Decorate Sugar Cookies
Decorating sugar cookies is a fun and creative part of the baking process. However, you want to make sure that your cookies have cooled completely before decorating them, as the heat from the cookies can cause the icing to melt and run off.
Icing:
I like to make a simple icing with confectioners’ sugar and milk. It should be thin enough to spread easily but not so thin that it runs off the cookie. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to paint the icing on your cookies, or even pipe it if you prefer more precise designs.
Sprinkles and Decorations:
Once the icing is on, feel free to add some sprinkles, colored sugar, or other fun decorations. I love using holiday-themed sprinkles, but you can use whatever fits your occasion.
How to Store Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you’ve decorated them with royal icing, which hardens as it dries, you can stack them. For cookies decorated with softer frosting, store them in a single layer or between layers of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other.
You can store your cookies in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have a lot left over, or if you want to make cookies in advance, you can freeze them! Just place your cookies in an airtight freezer bag and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Ingredients Used
Here’s a quick recap of all the ingredients used to make these delicious rolled sugar cookies:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Final Thoughts
These rolled sugar cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. From the buttery flavor to the soft, airy texture, they’ll be a hit at your next holiday gathering or bake sale. Don’t forget to make a batch of icing and have fun decorating them to match the theme of your celebration. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweetest cookies ever!