Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
Bake up a batch of nostalgia with these Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies, the perfect canvas for all your favorite shapes and colorful decorations. These cookies are tender with just the right hint of vanilla and almond, making them just as delightful plain as they are dressed up. Whether you’re whipping these up for holidays, birthdays, or simply when the craving hits, you’ll love how family-friendly and fun this recipe is. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true treat that always delivers smiles, you cannot go wrong with Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity—especially when it comes to the essential ingredients for Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies. Each one plays a starring role, from creamy butter for tenderness to just a touch of almond extract for that extra magic. Here’s how each component gives these cookies their dreamy flavor and perfect texture:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This forms the rich, tender base of your dough so don’t substitute with margarine.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown beautifully when baking.
- Large egg (1): Adds richness and binds everything together for that perfect cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with classic, warm flavor everyone adores.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A small dose creates a subtle, bakery-style aroma—feel free to skip for a pure vanilla vibe.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy foundation for neat, cutout cookies that keep their shape.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures just a tad of lift, making cookies light but not puffy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
How to Make Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture—think pale and creamy. This step is all about creating a tender cookie, so take two to three minutes and let the mixer do its magic. Don’t rush!
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Scrape down your bowl, then add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat until everything’s totally smooth and incorporated. This is where your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies start to smell heavenly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these separately ensures the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, which means no unexpected salty bites and perfectly even lift.
Step 4: Combine and Form Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so as soon as you see no more dry flour, stop. Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time is key—it keeps the cookies from spreading and helps them hold their shape when cut.
Step 5: Roll and Cut Out Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one dough disk at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Dip your favorite cookie cutters in flour for clean edges, then cut the dough into shapes. Carefully transfer to your lined baking sheets, leaving an inch between each cookie for even baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them just barely golden at the edges and still pale in the center. Trust that they’ll finish setting up outside the oven. Let them cool on the sheet for two to three minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Now comes the hard part—waiting for them to cool completely before decorating or enjoying warm.
How to Serve Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
The beauty of Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies is that they’re a blank slate for all kinds of creativity. Classic white royal icing, colored sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully. For a glossy finish, try a simple glaze. Use edible glitter or colored sugars for a festive touch—these cookies are ready to wear your signature style.
Side Dishes
While these cookies shine on their own, pair them with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort experience. For holiday parties, serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced apple cider. If you’re inviting friends for tea, plate up with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a charming treat tray.
Creative Ways to Present
There are countless ways to show off your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies. Stack and tie them with ribbon for party favors, arrange them in a gift box for neighbors, or create a colorful platter of different shapes and decorations for dessert tables. Try “cookie pops” by inserting sticks into cookies before baking, perfect for kids’ parties or bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh and tender for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper to protect any icing or decorations. A cool, dry spot in your kitchen is ideal—avoid storing them in the fridge, which can cause them to dry out.
Freezing
Both the dough and baked cookies freeze wonderfully. For dough, shape into disks, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can be frozen in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Reheating
If you love the slightly warm, just-baked effect, pop a cookie in the microwave for 6 to 8 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting any decorations. For a larger batch, reheat on a baking sheet in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Butter is highly recommended for Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies as it provides the signature flavor and rich texture. Margarine may work in a pinch, but your cookies won’t be quite as flavorful or tender.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is a must! It keeps the dough from sticking when rolling, makes the shapes sharp, and prevents too much spreading in the oven. Don’t skip this step if you want perfect cut-out cookies.
Can I make Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies without almond extract?
Yes, absolutely. Almond extract is optional and can be omitted if you prefer straight-up vanilla, making these cookies a true blank canvas for whatever decorations you love.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is a classic choice, especially if you want crisp patterns or to “flood” your cookies with color. Buttercream is dreamy if you like a softer, spreadable finish. Sprinkles, colored sugar, or even melted chocolate can all add fun and flavor.
Why are my cookies hard instead of soft?
Most likely, they were either overbaked or the dough was overmixed. For the softest Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies, bake just until edges set but centers remain pale, and stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
Final Thoughts
Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are truly a treat that brings people together, whether you’re decorating with kids or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea and a homemade cookie. Don’t be shy about making these your own—experiment with shapes, colors, and flavors, and most importantly, have fun! Once you try these, you’ll see why they’re a beloved favorite in so many kitchens. Gather your ingredients and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home—your inner baker will thank you.
Print
Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: About 24–30 cookies depending on size 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are a staple for holiday baking, perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. With a hint of almond extract and a buttery, tender texture, they are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼‑inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to roll and cut shapes.
- These cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or buttercream.
- For softer cookies, bake on the shorter end of the time range.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
