Blissful Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Delights Made Simple

Sweet aromas of butter and vanilla waft through kitchens when baking rolled sugar cookies.

These delightful treats promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that sparks joy with every bite.

Sugar cookies hold a special place in holiday traditions and casual gatherings alike.

Soft, tender, and perfectly crisp around the edges, these cookies deliver pure comfort.

Generations have cherished this simple yet elegant recipe passed down through family kitchens.

Each carefully crafted cookie becomes a small celebration of flavor and love.

You’ll want to share these irresistible morsels with everyone who steps into your home.

Keep Sugar Cookies Stored Neatly for Later

• Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Dough stays perfect for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
• Baked cookies can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to a sealed container. They'll maintain their delicious taste and texture for 2-3 weeks when properly stored.
• Royal icing decorations will stay crisp and beautiful when cookies are kept in a cool, dry space. Avoid humid environments that might cause frosting to become soft or runny.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps create a softer, more tender texture in sugar cookies and prevents sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smoother, more consistent dough.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cut-out cookie shapes for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• What type of flour works best for these sugar cookies?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides the right structure and texture for rolled sugar cookies, ensuring a consistent and delicious result.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

What You’ll Need for Rolled Sugar Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds tangy flavor and helps stabilize egg whites, check for freshness before using.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender texture, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps cookies brown, select granulated white sugar for classic results.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, use large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.
• Milk: Helps adjust dough consistency, use whole milk for better moisture and flavor.

• Royal Icing: Provides smooth, glossy decoration surface.
• Buttercream: Offers creamy, rich topping option.
• Sprinkles: Adds fun and colorful texture.
• Colored Sugars: Creates sparkly, festive appearance.
• Edible Glitter: Provides extra decorative shine.

Tools That Help You Roll and Cut Sugar Cookies

• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out dough to an even thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: Various shapes to create fun cookie designs.
• Baking Sheet: Flat pan for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for perfect cookie results.

Bake Rolled Sugar Cookies for Any Celebration

• Create Sweet Dough

Mix butter and sugar until creamy and soft. Add egg and vanilla, blending smoothly. Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. If dough feels too soft, splash a bit of milk to firm it up.

• Shape Your Treats

Dust your workspace with flour. Roll out dough to a thin, even layer. Grab playful cookie cutters and press into the dough. Transfer delicate shapes onto a parchment-lined baking tray.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide tray into a warm oven heated to 350F. Watch cookies transform in 8-10 minutes, turning a beautiful golden around the edges. Remove when they look just kissed by warmth.

• Unleash Creativity

After cookies cool completely, dive into decorating. Drizzle royal icing, pipe buttercream designs, or sprinkle fun toppings. Let your imagination run wild with colors, patterns, and textures.

Tips for Decorating Rolled Sugar Cookies Beautifully

• Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to transform the classic vanilla flavor profile and add exciting taste dimensions.
• Prepared cookie dough can be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to one month, making holiday baking or party prep super convenient.
• Work with completely cooled cookies for smooth icing application, and use piping bags with different tip sizes to create intricate designs and professional-looking decorative patterns.

Serve These Cookies at Parties or Holidays

• Sweet Seasonal Celebrations: Host themed cookie decorating parties where friends and family can design unique sugar cookies together for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or birthdays.
• Edible Gift Packaging: Package beautifully decorated cookies in clear cellophane bags with ribbons, creating personalized gifts for teachers, neighbors, or special occasions like baby showers and weddings.
• Kids' Culinary Adventure: Invite children to help roll, cut, and decorate cookies, transforming baking into an interactive and fun learning experience that develops motor skills and creativity.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange decorated sugar cookies on elegant platters alongside other desserts like brownies or cupcakes for stunning visual appeal at gatherings, buffets, or potluck events.

Heavenly Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Rolled Sugar Cookies shine with classic American bakery charm. Sweet dough creates perfect treats for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and dust a clean workspace with flour for dough handling and shaping.
2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Butter Fusion: Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture transforms into a light, fluffy consistency with a pale appearance.
4. Wet Integration: Blend egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, ensuring complete incorporation and smooth texture.
5. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a cohesive dough that maintains structural integrity without excessive stickiness.
6. Rolling Technique: Transfer dough to the floured surface and roll to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness using a lightly dusted rolling pin to prevent adhesion.
7. Cutting and Positioning: Press cookie cutters into the rolled dough, carefully lifting shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet with precise placement.
8. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, monitoring cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges reach a delicate golden hue.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before adorning with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or decorative elements.

Notes

Chill Dough for Firmness: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.

Control Moisture Levels: Add milk sparingly and incrementally to avoid making the dough too wet, which can cause cookies to lose their structured form.

Prevent Overworking Dough: Handle the mixture gently and minimally to keep cookies tender, as excessive kneading can develop gluten and create tough cookies.

Uniform Thickness Matters: Use rolling pin guides or wooden dowels to ensure consistent 1/4-inch thickness, guaranteeing even baking and professional-looking results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg