I absolutely love sharing The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe because it never fails to bring a little joy to my kitchen. These cookies have that perfect balance of tender, buttery texture and just the right sweetness that makes everyone come back for more. Whether you’re gearing up for the holidays, planning a fun baking day with the kids, or just want a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

When I first tried this recipe, I struggled with getting the dough just right for rolling and cutting, but with a bit of patience (and chilling time!), I discovered the trick to perfect cookie shapes that bake evenly without spreading. You’ll find that The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly rewarding—plus, the dough freezes great if you want to prep ahead. Let’s dive in together so you can delight your friends and family with these classic treats!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Texture: Soft yet sturdy enough for rolling and decorating without crumbling.
  • Easy to Work With: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make it beginner-friendly.
  • Versatile Dough: Holds shapes beautifully so you can use any cookie cutter you love.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just a cozy baking day at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice this recipe keeps things classic with simple pantry staples that come together to create an unbeatable dough. Using softened butter and fresh eggs gives the cookies a rich flavor and tender crumb, while the flour, baking powder, and salt balance structure and flavor perfectly.

  • White sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with that tender yet crisp edge we all love.
  • Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter for the best creaminess and flavor control.
  • Eggs: Eggs bind the dough and add moisture for a soft texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure while remaining tender.
  • Baking powder: A pinch of lift to keep the cookies light without puffing them up too much.
  • Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried adding a little almond extract for a twist, and sometimes I swap out some of the vanilla for fresh citrus zest to give it a bright zing. Feel free to experiment to match your mood or the occasion!

  • Almond extract substitution: I once swapped half the vanilla for almond extract and my family went crazy for the nutty aroma.
  • Colored dough: Adding gel food coloring to the dough before chilling is a fun way to create festive cookies.
  • Gluten-free version: Try a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend and be sure to chill the dough extra well for best results.
  • Decorating flair: Use royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make cookies shine for parties or holidays.

How to Make The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

Start by beating the white sugar and softened butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. I like to do this for about 3-5 minutes until the mix looks light and fluffy—it’s important for a tender cookie. If your butter is too cold, the dough won’t come together as nicely, so take it out of the fridge early to soften.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures the dough binds properly and the flavor blends evenly. If you crack an egg shell, fish it out before mixing too much to avoid crunch in your cookie.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chill

Now it’s time to stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix here; just stop once the dough forms. Cover your dough tightly and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight. This chilling is key—it prevents spreading and makes rolling much easier.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Your Cookies

Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll your dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a bit more flour on the surface or rolling pin, but don’t add too much or the cookies will turn out dry. Use your favorite cookie cutters and place the shapes about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets—this spacing helps them bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake your cookies at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. As soon as the edges turn lightly browned, they’re ready to come out. Overbaking can make them hard, so check early if your oven runs hot. Once baked, transfer cookies carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

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Pro Tips for Making The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

  • Chill Time Is Your Friend: I learned that skipping the chill means messy dough that spreads—don’t rush this step!
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Soft butter and eggs make for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Don’t Over-Roll: Roll evenly to maintain cookie thickness for perfect bake time and soft center.
  • Watch Baking Time Closely: Cookies continue to firm while cooling, so take them out as soon as edges brown lightly.

How to Serve The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a cooling rack with various shaped cookies decorated with smooth, colorful icing. There are three layers in each cookie: the base is a light tan cookie, the middle is a thick, shiny layer of purple, pink, blue, or yellow icing covering the cookie's shape, and some pink flower-shaped cookies have an additional small round yellow icing spot in the center. The cookies include star shapes with bright yellow icing, round shapes covered in solid purple icing, diamond shapes with blue icing, and pink five-petal flower shapes with yellow centers. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love decorating these cookies with classic royal icing in fun colors and patterns—think polka dots, stripes, or intricate holiday designs. Sprinkles add such a cheerful touch; my kids especially enjoy adding their favorite colors. For simpler servings, a light dusting of powdered sugar is lovely and keeps things fuss-free.

Side Dishes

These sugar cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream for a light dessert platter that everyone appreciated. During the holidays, a spiced hot cocoa is a dreamy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present these cookies is on a festive platter arranged by color or shape—perfect for gifting or a party spread. I’ve also packaged decorated cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a personal touch. For kids’ parties, getting guests involved in decorating is a hit and doubles as a fun activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have extras, I store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, but honestly, they rarely last that long at my house! If you want to keep them crisp, popping in a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture balance.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this cookie dough. I roll it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual. You can also freeze fully baked cookies between sheets of parchment paper for up to three months.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked softness, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave revives them nicely. Alternatively, warming them slightly in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes refreshes that just-baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use margarine or shortening instead of butter in The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe?

    Butter is key for flavor and texture, so I recommend sticking with it. Margarine or shortening might change the cookie’s flavor and can affect how the dough behaves when rolling and baking. If you must substitute, expect a slightly different texture and consider adding a bit more vanilla for flavor.

  2. How thick should I roll the dough?

    I find rolling the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is just right. Thinner than that, and cookies might overbake or become too crisp; thicker dough takes longer to bake and may remain doughy in the center. An even thickness ensures uniform baking.

  3. Can I decorate the cookies with icing immediately after baking?

    It’s important to let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. Warm cookies can cause icing to run or melt, ruining your design. Patience here really pays off with neat, beautiful decorations.

  4. How long can I keep rolled sugar cookie dough in the fridge?

    I usually keep the dough refrigerated for up to 3 days if wrapped tightly. Beyond that, freezing is better to maintain freshness and prevent any off flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a staple in my kitchen, a go-to whenever I want a dependable, delicious cookie that’s both fun to make and share. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the results—there’s something special about rolling out cookie dough and filling the house with that sweet, buttery aroma. Give it a try and watch your family or guests smile over every bite!

Print
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The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yield: 60 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These classic rolled sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for any occasion. With a simple dough chilled to perfection, they can be rolled out and cut into delightful shapes, then baked to a light golden brown for a sweet treat that’s perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed for the sugar cookies to have everything ready before starting.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a fluffy base for the dough.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated for flavor and structure.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll without sticking.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Roll the chilled dough out to a thickness between 1/4 and 1/2 inch, providing an ideal thickness for baking.
  8. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow proper spreading.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes until they are lightly browned around the edges, indicating that they are done.
  10. Cool: Carefully transfer the baked cookies onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating or serving.
  11. Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your delicious rolled sugar cookies plain or decorated as desired.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
  • Cookies can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or left plain depending on preference.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if cookies are rolled thinner or thicker than recommended.
  • For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and remove them when edges just begin to brown.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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