Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you love buttery, perfectly sweet cookies that hold their shape and are just begging for your favorite decorations, you’re in for a treat with these Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies. With a tender crumb, a golden edge, and subtle vanilla aroma, these cookies are delightful for any celebration or a simple afternoon treat. They’re a dream to roll out and just as dreamy to eat, making them a must-bake for the holidays or any baking day craving. Get ready: Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are about to be your new family tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies come together with seven simple ingredients, each one playing a key role in creating the taste and texture you crave. Don’t skip or substitute—each item builds up the magic of truly classic sugar cookies!

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—softened butter creams beautifully for a delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): For classic sweet flavor and just the right crispness at the edges.
• Large Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness for that delightful tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Delivers a fragrant, round flavor—don’t skip the real stuff if you can help it!
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups): Provides structure and just enough chew; measure carefully for perfect cookies.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Lifts the cookies, helping them puff just enough without losing their shapes.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brings balance, highlighting all the delicious flavors.

How to Make Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step aerates the dough and sets the stage for that exceptional tender crumb these Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are famous for.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Drop in the egg and the vanilla extract next. Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and the egg is fully incorporated. The vanilla brings warmth and depth while the egg gives structure—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This guarantees even distribution of leavening and seasoning, ensuring you don’t get a surprise salty bite—or worse, a flat cookie.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull together and be slightly tacky but not sticky. Take care not to overmix, or you’ll lose that melt-in-your-mouth texture that really makes Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies stand out.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour—this crucial chill helps the dough firm up, making it a breeze to roll and cut. Plus, it prevents spreading in the oven, so your cookie shapes stay sharp.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one dough disc at a time on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, then transfer to baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch in between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just softly golden. Remove from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this sets their beautiful shape—then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies should be just barely golden and delightfully tender.

How to Serve Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are a perfect canvas for all sorts of garnishes. Try classic royal icing in vibrant colors, a dusting of sparkling sugar, or a shower of festive sprinkles. If you’re short on time, a simple brush of melted white chocolate can make these cookies glisten and shine.

Side Dishes

Pair your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, rich vanilla lattes, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For afternoon tea, stack them on a platter alongside berries or tangy lemon bars for sweet variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your cookies on tiered cake stands, tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifts, or create a DIY decorating station for guests to add their own flair. Arranging them in a spectrum of icing hues turns any dessert table into an instant celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers to protect any intricate decorations and maintain the cookies’ tender bite.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or raw dough discs. Wrap well in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag or container—they’ll keep their wonderful flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using or decorating.

Reheating

If you want to serve these Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies warm, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will refresh them. Just be gentle—overheating can dry out the delicate crumb.

FAQs

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Absolutely! Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies have a firm surface that handles royal icing, sprinkles, and edible markers beautifully. Let the cookies cool fully before decorating for the best results.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps firm up the butter, making the dough easier to roll and helping the cookies keep crisp, sharp edges as they bake. It also prevents spreading, which is key for cut-out cookies.

Can I flavor the dough with citrus or almond?

Definitely! Replace up to ½ teaspoon of vanilla with almond extract for a twist, or add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, bright variation while still keeping that classic cookie feel.

Do Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies work for gluten-free baking?

You can substitute a reliable cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend in place of traditional flour. Flavor and texture are still lovely, though the dough may be slightly more delicate when rolling and cutting.

What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

No problem! Use a drinking glass to cut circles, or slice chilled dough into tidy squares or diamonds with a sharp knife. Your Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies will taste just as wonderful, no matter the shape.

Final Thoughts

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies are truly the heart of holiday baking and celebrations all year long. Once you bake up a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—whether you love them simply sweet or dressed up in dazzling decorations. Give them a try, invite some friends to help, and enjoy every nostalgic, delicious bite!

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