Rolled Sugar Cookies
Classic rolled sugar cookies with a soft center, crisp edges, and endless decorating possibilities. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For Decoration (Optional)
- Royal icing or buttercream
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar:In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients:Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients:In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough:Divide the dough into two portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Roll out and cut:Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate:Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or any toppings of your choice
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking.