These sugar cookies are the epitome of baked perfection, with a golden-brown edge that gives way to a soft, buttery interior. The cookies’ light, slightly crisp texture on the outside and their melt-in-your-mouth softness inside are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether served on a rustic platter or arranged in an elegant cookie jar, these cookies add a touch of homemade charm to any occasion. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or just a special treat to share with friends, the visual appeal of these cookies is as delightful as their taste.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour (or overnight).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal per cookie
Servings: Approximately 48 cookies
More About the Perfect Rolled Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a timeless favorite, offering a delicate sweetness with a buttery texture that’s hard to resist. Whether for the holidays or a simple treat, these cookies never go out of style. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and easy steps, makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
What Makes These Sugar Cookies Special?
What sets these sugar cookies apart is the balance between softness and crispness. The chilling time for the dough ensures a perfect consistency that’s easy to roll out and cut into fun shapes. Once baked, the cookies have just the right amount of golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. They also serve as the perfect base for creative decoration, allowing you to personalize each batch to match any occasion or holiday.
Customization and Decorating Tips
The beauty of this sugar cookie recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the flavor with a pinch of lemon zest or almond extract for a different twist. If you’re decorating for special occasions, try adding colorful royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to create festive designs. For an extra touch, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a delicate finish or top them with a layer of smooth chocolate for a richer taste.
Perfect for Gifting or Events
These cookies also make an excellent gift! Whether you’re making them for a party, wrapping them up in decorative tins for a thoughtful present, or simply sharing them with friends, the delicious combination of simplicity and elegance in these cookies is sure to please any recipient. Their customizable nature also makes them ideal for themed events, from birthday parties to festive holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few baking tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, to create a smooth dough.
- Chilling the dough before rolling it out is crucial for easy handling and to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- When cutting out shapes, dust the surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking, and use cookie cutters to create shapes that reflect the occasion.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Since oven temperatures vary, it’s best to check them at 6 minutes and keep baking until the edges are lightly golden.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once baked, allow the sugar cookies to cool completely before storing. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, they freeze well! Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
Customization Ideas and Decorating Tips
One of the best things about sugar cookies is how easily they can be customized to suit your occasion. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a Christmas party, a birthday celebration, or a baby shower, these cookies can be decorated to fit any theme. Here are some creative ideas:
- Holiday-Themed Decorations: For Christmas, use red, green, and white icing to create festive patterns. Decorate with edible glitter or small sugar pearls for extra sparkle.
- Simple Elegance: For a more sophisticated look, try coating your cookies with a thin layer of royal icing and then dusting them with powdered sugar or edible gold flakes.
- Colorful Sprinkles: After baking the cookies, add sprinkles or colored sugar to give them an extra pop. You can use rainbow sprinkles for a birthday or pastel-colored sprinkles for an Easter celebration.
- Themed Cookie Cutters: Invest in themed cookie cutters for special occasions—hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins for Halloween, or stars for New Year’s Eve.
Perfect for Gifting or Sharing
These rolled sugar cookies are not only a treat to eat, but they also make excellent gifts. Whether you’re giving them to neighbors, friends, or coworkers, the act of sharing homemade baked goods always feels personal and thoughtful. Package them in decorative boxes or tins for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re feeling extra creative, wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a festive gift.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Approx. 1 Cookie)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Protein: 1 g
Note: These values are based on a standard serving size and may vary depending on specific ingredients used or adjustments made to the recipe.