Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile and Customizable: Shape and decorate these cookies to suit any occasion or theme.
- Soft and Buttery Texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful sweetness.
- Perfect for Decorating: The smooth surface is ideal for icing, sprinkles, and other decorations, making them a fun project for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Decorate: Prepare a simple icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, honey or corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into bowls, add food coloring as desired, and decorate the cooled cookies using piping bags or spoons.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 1 hour 27 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. How can I ensure my rolled sugar cookies have an even thickness?
Using rolling pin guides or two evenly stacked rulers on either side of the dough can help achieve uniform thickness, ensuring the cookies bake evenly.
2. Why is it important to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading.
3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This allows you to bake fresh cookies at your convenience.
4. What type of icing works best for decorating these cookies?
A simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, honey or corn syrup, and vanilla extract works well. Adjust the consistency by varying the amount of milk to suit your decorating needs.
5. How can I prevent the cookies from becoming too hard?
Avoid overbaking the cookies; they should be just lightly golden around the edges. Additionally, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their softness.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While margarine can be used, butter provides a richer flavor and better texture for these cookies.
7. Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking?
Using parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and promotes even baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly greasing the baking sheet can serve as an alternative.
8. How can I add color to the dough itself?
You can knead a few drops of food coloring into the dough before rolling it out to create colored cookies without the need for icing.
9. What’s the best way to achieve intricate designs with icing?
Using piping bags with fine tips allows for more precise and detailed designs. Practice steady hand movements to create intricate patterns.
10. Can I add sprinkles or other decorations before baking?
Yes, adding sprinkles or colored sugars to the dough before baking can create a festive appearance without the need for additional icing.
Conclusion
Rolled Sugar Cookies are a delightful addition to any baking repertoire. Their
Rolled Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rolled Sugar Cookies are a classic treat with a soft, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles, these cookies are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence. Learn how to make this easy, versatile recipe with step-by-step instructions and tips!
Ingredients
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt; combine into a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide dough, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut:
- Roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 6-7 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate:
- Make icing with powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup or honey, and vanilla extract.
- Color icing as desired and decorate cooled cookies.
Notes
- Chill Dough: Ensures cookies maintain shape during baking.
- Uniform Thickness: Use rolling pin guides for even cookies.
- Storage: Keep in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
