Name: The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup white sugar for rolling

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Delicious, buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies are easy to make, and their light texture makes them ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles. Whether it's a holiday, birthday, or just a sweet treat, this recipe will definitely satisfy your cravings.

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

¼ cup white sugar for rolling

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until smooth.

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.

Divide the dough into 2 portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.

Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Variations

I enjoy making these sugar cookies with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, depending on my mood. You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles or edible glitter for a fun, festive touch. If I want to make them even more indulgent, I sometimes drizzle them with royal icing or a simple glaze after baking.

Storage/Reheating

These sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If I want to keep them fresh longer, I freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, I gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or you can let them come to room temperature naturally.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

I prefer using unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt, but if I only have salted butter, I just omit the salt from the recipe. The cookies will still turn out delicious!

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, I often freeze the dough to make these cookies ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, I thaw the dough in the fridge for several hours before rolling it out.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Yes, refrigerating the dough for at least 1 hour helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and makes the dough easier to handle. I always make sure to chill it for the best results.

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Definitely! If I want to make these cookies more festive, I add a few drops of food coloring to the dough before rolling it out. The dough colors well, and it adds a fun touch to the cookies.

Can I use cookie cutters with intricate designs?

Yes, these sugar cookies are perfect for using with cookie cutters of all shapes and sizes. Just make sure the dough is chilled and the surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These rolled sugar cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style. With their soft, buttery texture and versatility, they make a great base for any kind of decoration or simply enjoyed on their own. I love how easy they are to make, and I know they’ll always be a crowd-pleaser, whether it's for a special occasion or just a sweet snack!

Recipe:

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Yield: 24 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion! Easy to make and ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles, these cookies have a light texture and a sweet, but not overwhelming flavor. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or a simple treat, these cookies will always be a hit!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until smooth.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
Divide the dough into 2 portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.