Delightfully Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

$- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional) - Colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt in your cookies. Softened butter mixes better, making the dough easier to handle. The flour must be all-purpose for the best texture. Baking powder helps the cookies rise to a lovely, soft bite. The egg binds everything together for a perfect dough. I always recommend using pure extracts. They pack more flavor than imitation ones. Almond extract adds a nice touch but feel free to skip it if you prefer. If you need a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free butter alternative. To make the cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for the right texture. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. If you want to skip eggs, use a flax egg or applesauce as a binding agent. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside. Next, take a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. To this, add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Beat these together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the mix turns light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and the optional 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Blend everything until smooth. Now, it’s time to combine the dry mix with the wet mix. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies tender. Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal parts. Wrap each part tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped dough in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up. After chilling, take one portion of the dough out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps to keep the cookies from sticking. For a fun touch, sprinkle colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking. Now, it’s time to bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch them closely; you want the edges to turn just lightly golden. Once they are done, take the cookies out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen! To get the best texture in your rolled sugar cookies, focus on the butter. Make sure it is soft but not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy dough. When mixing, beat the butter and sugar until it becomes pale and airy. This step adds air, which leads to a tender cookie. Chill your dough after mixing. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Aim for at least one hour in the fridge. Don’t skip this step! One common mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Another mistake is not using enough flour when rolling out the dough. Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. This prevents sticking and allows for clean shapes. Finally, keep an eye on baking time. Each oven is different. Remove cookies when the edges are lightly golden for the best taste. A few tools can make your cookie-making easier. Use a high-quality rolling pin for even thickness. A silicone baking mat or parchment paper helps cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking. Invest in cookie cutters with fun shapes. They add a playful touch to your cookies. Lastly, a wire rack is essential for cooling cookies evenly, preventing sogginess. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts, like lemon or peppermint, to customize the cookies for different occasions. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges for the perfect texture. {{image_4}} You can make your rolled sugar cookies more fun by adding flavors. Vanilla is a classic choice. I always use pure vanilla extract for its rich taste. You can also try almond extract. It's optional, but it adds a lovely nutty note. Just one teaspoon can change the whole cookie. For something unique, consider adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth. If you want a twist, try citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor and makes cookies more refreshing. Decorating cookies is where the fun really begins! You can use colored sanding sugar for a sparkly touch. Just sprinkle some on before baking. It adds a nice crunch and color. For a more detailed design, try royal icing. Make it in various colors and pipe it onto the cookies. You can create patterns, letters, or even simple faces. Sprinkles are another good option. They come in many shapes and colors to match any occasion. Let your imagination run wild! If you're looking for gluten-free cookies, swap out regular flour. Almond flour or a gluten-free blend works well. Just remember to adjust the liquid as needed. For a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil. Use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This way, you can enjoy delicious cookies no matter your diet! To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can stack them, but separate layers with parchment paper. Store them at room temperature for best results. This way, they stay soft and tasty. If you add icing or sprinkles, wait until they dry before storing. Freezing is a great option if you want to save cookies for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date. You can freeze cookies for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. These cookies last about one week at room temperature. For the best taste, eat them within three days. If you notice them getting stale, try warming them briefly in the oven. This can help restore some softness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your cookies. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After mixing, divide it into two parts. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Then, refrigerate for up to three days. This makes baking easier later. The best way to decorate rolled sugar cookies is simple. Before baking, sprinkle colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles on top. You can also use royal icing or melted chocolate after baking. Let your creativity shine with fun designs! To prevent cookies from spreading, chill the dough well. Refrigerate it for at least one hour. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough. This keeps the cookies thick and chewy. Using parchment paper helps too! This article covered everything you need for great cookies. We looked at the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best texture. You learned about fun variations and how to store your treats properly. In closing, baking cookies can be simple and fun. Try new flavors and enjoy sharing your creations. With practice, you'll become a cookie pro in no time. Happy baking!$

Delightfully Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

A classic recipe for rolled sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2.75 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
to taste colored sanding sugar or festive sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, set aside to keep dry ingredients separate.
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the large egg and both the vanilla extract and almond extract (if you're choosing to include it). Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture by mixing on low speed. Continue until a cohesive dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough has firmed up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch in thickness. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes and carefully place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
To add a festive touch, generously sprinkle the cut-out cookies with colored sanding sugar or decorative sprinkles before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary with different ovens.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Create an eye-catching display by arranging your cookies on a decorative platter. Consider filling a clear jar with the cookies and wrapping it with a festive ribbon for a charming gift idea!

Keyword dessert, rolled cookies, sugar cookies