These rolled sugar cookies are the epitome of a classic treat—soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and subtle sweetness, they’re ideal for rolling out, cutting into fun shapes, and decorating with colorful icing.
Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just an afternoon craving, these cookies always hit the spot. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat.
I first made these rolled sugar cookies for a family gathering, and they were a hit right from the start. The whole process—rolling the dough, cutting out the shapes, and decorating them with bright, fun icing—turned into a family tradition.
I love how versatile this recipe is, from simple round cookies to festive holiday shapes. And the dough holds its shape so well, even after baking, making them perfect for those intricate designs.
Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a scoop of zesty lemon sorbet for the ultimate dessert experience. The contrast of the cool, crisp drinks with the sweet, buttery cookies is simply divine.
Give these a try, and let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear about your favorite cookie designs and decorating ideas.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Versatile and Fun: These cookies are perfect for every occasion, from simple snacks to festive gatherings.
- Easy to Decorate: Whether you keep it simple or get creative, decorating these cookies is always enjoyable.
- Perfect Texture: The soft, chewy interior with just a slight crisp around the edges is the perfect balance.
- Great for Gifting: Wrapped up in a cute box, these cookies make a lovely homemade gift.
Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter
- Baking sheets
- Flour for dusting
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut dough into shapes with cookie cutters and place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating.
- Enjoy your delicious sugar cookies!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sodium | 93mg |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Variations that Will Help You Customize!
Here are some expert-level variations to take these sugar cookies to the next level:
Flavor Enhancements:
- Citrus Zest Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar.
- Spiced Sugar: Mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting spice blend. You can also dust the cookies with the same spiced sugar after baking for a seasonal touch.
- Almond Infusion: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a more aromatic, nutty flavor.
Texture Enhancements:
- Crispy Edges: For extra crunch, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar before baking. This creates a sugary, crispy outer layer.
- Chewy Center: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar to get a slightly chewy texture and a deeper caramel-like flavor. You could even add a tablespoon of molasses for an extra layer of richness.
- Coconut Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that adds texture and flavor.
Fun Add-Ins:
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to create a sweet contrast against the vanilla base.
- Toffee Pieces: Stir in 1/2 cup of toffee bits for a buttery, caramelized crunch in every bite.
- Crushed Candy Canes: For a festive touch, fold in crushed candy canes or sprinkle the tops with candy cane dust before baking.
Unique Finishes:
- Royal Icing Decoration: After the cookies cool, use royal icing to create intricate designs or simple colorful outlines. It adds an elegant, polished look.
- Chocolate Dip: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate for a decadent finish. Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- Sugar Crystals: Roll the dough in colorful sugar crystals before cutting for a bright, festive finish.
