Go Back
To make old-fashioned rolled sugar cookies, you need key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients are the backbone of the recipe. The flour gives the cookies structure. Baking powder helps them rise, while salt balances the sweetness. Butter adds creaminess and flavor. Sugar sweetens, while the egg binds everything together. Finally, vanilla extract brings warmth. You can add a few optional ingredients for more flavor. Consider using: - 1 teaspoon almond extract - Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for decoration Almond extract adds a unique twist to your cookies. It enhances the taste without overpowering it. Sprinkles or colored sugar can make your cookies look festive and fun. Having the right tools makes baking easier and more fun. Here are some essential tools for this recipe: - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer - Whisk - Rolling pin - Cookie cutters - Baking sheets - Parchment paper Using these tools helps ensure your cookies come out perfect. Mixing bowls and an electric mixer make blending easy. A whisk helps with dry ingredients. A rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly. Cookie cutters shape the cookies, and parchment paper keeps them from sticking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by whisking together 2 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a medium bowl. This mix gives the cookies their structure. In a larger bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar with an electric mixer. Mix until it looks light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and, if you want, 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mix into the butter mix. Stir on low speed until you see a dough form. Divide the dough in half, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up. Once your dough is ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a floured surface, take one half of the dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. Place these shapes on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sanding sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking time can vary. You want the edges to be lightly golden. Once they are done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key to keeping the cookies from getting too soft. Enjoy the process and the delightful smell filling your kitchen! To get the best cookie texture, use room-temperature butter. Softened butter helps mix well with sugar. Cream it until light and fluffy. This step adds air, making cookies soft. Chill the dough for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. Finally, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures even baking. One mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. Another mistake is not measuring flour correctly. Too much flour can dry out the cookies. Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step. Chilled dough prevents spreading and keeps shapes. Get creative with cookie decorations! Use colored sanding sugar or sprinkles to add flair. You can also use icing for fun designs. Try royal icing for detailed work. For a simple touch, place edible flowers on top. Mint leaves can also add a fresh look. Arrange cookies on a pretty plate for a lovely presentation. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough before rolling it out. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and makes them easier to cut. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different extracts like lemon or coconut to customize the cookies to your taste. A little zest can elevate the flavor! Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract will significantly enhance the flavor of your sugar cookies. Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are just lightly golden for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your sugar cookies easily. To add a twist, try different extracts. Instead of vanilla, use almond extract for a nutty taste. You can also mix in zest from lemons or oranges. This adds a fresh, bright flavor. Want something richer? Add cocoa powder for chocolate cookies. Just replace some flour with cocoa. For a hint of spice, add ground cinnamon or nutmeg. These flavors make your cookies unique and fun. Decorating sugar cookies can be a blast! For birthdays, use bright colors and fun shapes. You can use icing to create fun designs. Try adding sprinkles for extra flair. For holidays, think about themed shapes. Hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for Christmas work well. Use colored sanding sugar to give your cookies a sparkle. If you want a simple look, a dusting of powdered sugar is lovely too. Let your creativity shine with each batch! If you need gluten-free cookies, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Both work well to keep cookies soft. You can also swap the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. These swaps keep your cookies tasty and enjoyable for everyone! To keep your rolled sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. I recommend using a container that fits them snugly. This helps to keep them soft and tasty. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save some dough for later, freezing is the way to go. First, wrap the dough portions tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight. To ensure your cookies stay fresh, keep them away from heat and moisture. Avoid placing them near ovens or dishwashers. If you live in a humid area, consider adding a piece of bread to the container. The bread helps absorb moisture and keeps the cookies soft. Enjoy your sweet treats even longer with these simple storage tips! These cookies are old-fashioned because they use simple ingredients and classic methods. The recipe relies on butter, sugar, and flour, which are staples in traditional baking. The dough is rolled out and cut into shapes, just like our grandparents made. This hands-on approach gives each cookie a personal touch. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. If you don't have unsalted butter, use salted butter but skip the added salt. You can also replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you lack almond extract, just use more vanilla. Each swap can give your cookies a twist while keeping the texture right. Sugar cookies can last about one week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Frozen cookies can last for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Absolutely! You can use cookie cutters to create any shape you like. Whether it's stars, hearts, or holiday-themed shapes, the choice is yours. Just remember to flour the cutters and the dough lightly to prevent sticking. This makes baking fun and creative! To ensure even baking, roll the dough to a uniform thickness. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Place the cookies on a baking sheet with space between them. This allows heat to circulate. Keep an eye on them while baking. Ovens can vary, so check for a light golden edge to know when they are done. You learned about old-fashioned rolled sugar cookies and their key ingredients. We explored how to prepare, roll, cut, and bake these treats. You discovered helpful tips for texture, common mistakes to avoid, and creative decoration ideas. We even discussed variations for gluten-free and dairy-free options. To enjoy perfect cookies, follow these steps. Keep them fresh with proper storage. Now, you’re ready to bake delicious cookies that everyone will love!

Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Deliciously sweet and versatile sugar cookies perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
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
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional for a unique flavor)
  • to taste colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  • Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle the cut-out cookies with colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for festive decoration if desired.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as baking time can vary.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and add a few edible flowers or mint leaves for a pop of color. Consider displaying them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a beautiful gift!
Keyword cookies, dessert, sugar cookies