Name: Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); Extra flour for rolling

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There’s something unmistakably joyful about baking Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies. Maybe it’s the scent of vanilla and butter filling your kitchen, or the timeless ritual of rolling out dough and choosing your favorite cookie cutter shapes. These are the sugar cookies you’ll want for holidays, birthdays, or any day you crave a sweet, crisp treat that’s as perfect for icing and decorating as it is for snacking with a glass of cold milk. The simple, buttery richness of this recipe ensures everyone reaches for a second (and maybe third) cookie every time.

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best things in life are often uncomplicated, and the ingredients for Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are proof. Each staple brings something special, whether it’s the balance of sweetness, a tender crumb, or that iconic golden hue.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of these cookies, giving them their sturdy-yet-tender structure that’s perfect for crisp edges and soft centers.
Baking powder: Just a teaspoon helps the cookies puff up slightly, so they’re never too dense or flat.
Salt: A little salt enhances flavor overall, balancing sweetness and making the vanilla and butter shine.
Unsalted butter (softened): This is where that irresistible rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from—softened butter creams beautifully into the perfect dough.
Granulated sugar: Brings the classic sweetness we all expect, while helping the cookies bake with a gentle golden edge.
Large egg: Adds moisture and just the right amount of chew to keep cookies from becoming brittle.
Vanilla extract: Warm, fragrant vanilla turns an everyday cookie into a bakery-store favorite.
Almond extract (optional): For a subtle nutty note—just a touch elevates the whole batch.
Extra flour for rolling: Flour your work surface to keep the dough from sticking and make cut-outs a breeze.

How to Make Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these together first distributes the leavening and salt evenly, so your cookies rise evenly and taste balanced in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is the secret to tender, airy sugar cookies—take your time with it, and watch the mixture turn pale and creamy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) until completely combined. The addition of vanilla and almond instantly perks up the aroma, hinting at the delicious flavor to come.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each into a flat disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then chill for at least 1 hour. This step is vital for easy rolling later—the dough firms up, flavors meld, and your cookies will bake up perfectly shaped.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Dust your work surface with flour, then roll out one dough disc to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out your favorite shapes with cookie cutters—hearts, stars, or holiday classics are all fair game.

Step 7: Bake

Arrange the cookies on your prepared sheets, leaving a little space for spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges look barely golden. This trick keeps centers soft and edges crisp every time.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, go wild with icing, sprinkles, or just enjoy the buttery simplicity as is. Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are a blank canvas for your sweetest ideas!

How to Serve Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Dress them up or down however you like! A simple dusting of powdered sugar highlights those pretty shapes beautifully. For a pop of color, add royal icing, vibrant sprinkles, or even edible glitter. If you’re feeling classic, a brush of milk before baking gives a subtle sheen and lets the cookies’ golden edges shine.

Side Dishes

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are just right for pairing with creamy drinks—think hot cocoa, chai lattes, or your favorite coffee. For a dessert tray, surround them with fruit, chocolates, or mix with other cookies for a cheerful display. They’re even wonderful next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity loose! Stack the cookies and tie them with colorful ribbon for gifting, or tuck them into cellophane bags as party favors. Arrange frosted cookies on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. For holidays, themed cut-outs turn a regular platter into a festive celebration everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious for up to a week—just layer parchment or wax paper between cookie stacks to keep decorations pristine and edges crisp.

Freezing

The good news: this dough was made for freezing! After shaping into discs, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Or, freeze fully baked and cooled cookies—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating. You’ll be glad you have a stash ready for last-minute guests or celebrations.

Reheating

If your cookies lose their crispness, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 2–3 minutes. They’ll taste wonderfully fresh, with revived flavor and perfect texture—almost as if you just baked a new batch!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies dough can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated. This advance prep is especially handy during the busy holiday season, so you can bake on your own schedule.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, the almond extract is included as an optional flavor enhancer. If you’re sensitive to nuts or prefer a pure vanilla version, simply leave it out and enjoy a delicious, traditional cookie flavor.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by about half. Using unsalted butter helps control saltiness, but in a pinch, salted butter works with this little adjustment.

Why does the dough need to chill?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut out precise shapes. It also prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to cleaner edges and an even bake.

How do I get evenly thick cookies?

Rolling your dough between two sheets of parchment paper or using rolling pin guides keeps the thickness just right—about 1/4 inch is perfect for Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies that bake evenly and hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies bring so much joy to kitchens all year long, from rainy day baking to big family celebrations. This tried-and-true recipe is easy to love and even easier to customize, so gather up your ingredients and let your creativity shine—these cookies are always a sweet success!

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are a must-have for any baking repertoire. Perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla, these cookies are ideal for decorating and enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Additional:

Extra flour for rolling

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Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, until well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms.
Chill Dough: Divide the dough, flatten into discs, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and place on baking sheets.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.