Name: Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

The classic rolled sugar cookies recipe is a beloved treasure among cookie enthusiasts. These cookies are appreciated for their perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers, making them a crowd-pleaser during holidays and celebrations. The foundation of these cookies lies in their buttery dough, which is subtly infused with the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla. This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves to bake and decorate cookies, whether for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just because. Classic rolled sugar cookies are not only delicious but incredibly fun to make, transforming your kitchen into a center of creativity and warmth.

One of the most appealing aspects of these cookies is the ease with which you can customize them. The simplicity of their design provides the perfect canvas for any artistic flair you wish to bring forward, be it through colorful icing, sprinkles, or even intricate cut-out shapes. No matter your choice of embellishments, these cookies retain their delightful flavor, making each bite a sweet reminder of both nostalgia and celebration. This recipe assures a delightful baking experience, bringing together the joy of baking with the pleasure of sharing homemade treats with loved ones.

Moreover, these cookies capture the essence of a homemade treat, with each bite delivering a signature sweetness that is sure to bring joy to family and friends alike. They are the epitome of a baked delight — simplicity meets detail in each carefully crafted cookie. So grab your apron, and get ready to bake a batch of classic rolled sugar cookies that will fill your home with a delicious aroma and warm memories.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

This delightful recipe combines simplicity with a touch of sophistication, ensuring that these cookies become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Easy to make: This recipe features straightforward steps that require minimal fuss, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
Customizable: With a virtually endless array of possible decorations, you can personalize these cookies to suit any occasion or celebration.
Delicious flavor: The combination of butter and vanilla infuses each cookie with a rich and exquisite taste.
Perfect texture: Achieve the ideal balance of a crispy edge with a chewy, tender center.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the creation of these classic rolled sugar cookies, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen to ensure a seamless baking process. Begin by clearing and organizing your workspace, as this will help streamline the baking and decorating process. It’s helpful to have a large, clean counter space or a smooth surface for rolling out the dough. Make sure you have all the necessary tools within reach, including a rolling pin, measuring cups, and cookie cutters of your desired shapes. Additionally, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help with even baking. A wire rack is important for cooling the cookies evenly after baking.

As you gather your tools, consider options for decorations. You might want to have icing, colored sugars, or edible embellishments handy if you plan on decorating your cookies right away. Having a small off-set spatula can be beneficial for spreading icing smoothly, while piping bags allow for more detailed decoration work. Remember the importance of chilling the dough; it not only helps to achieve clean cut-outs but also maintains the cookies’ classic shape as they bake, ensuring you’ll have a picturesque batch of sugar cookies ready to gift or enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by placing your softened butter and granulated sugar into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as the creamed butter and sugar provide the delicate crumb that defines these classic cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Next, introduce the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Beat them together until well combined. The egg will act as a binding element, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of your cookies, lending them their distinctive aroma and taste.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, prepare your dry mix by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures that your cookies will have an even texture. Carefully add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until a dough begins to form. Be patient in this step to ensure that the flour is well incorporated.

Step 4: Form and Chill Dough

Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential as it solidifies the butter, ensuring your cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take one disc of dough at a time from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes, placing each cut-out onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack helps prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Variations

Protein: While this recipe is vegetarian, you could fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added texture and protein.
Vegetables: For a slightly unusual twist, consider adding a hint of grated ginger or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top of the cookies before baking.
Spices: Transform the flavor by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to create a warm, spiced version of these classic cookies.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted; this plays a big role in the texture of the cookie.
If the dough is too sticky to roll, place it back into the fridge for an additional 30 minutes of chilling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
Consider serving them on a decorative holiday platter for a festive presentation.

Tips

For extra flavor, replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie
Protein: 1g per cookie
Sodium: 30mg per cookie

FAQs

How can I keep my sugar cookies from spreading while baking?

Ensure that your dough is well-chilled before baking and avoid placing the cookies on warm baking sheets.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, wrap the dough discs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

What’s the best way to decorate these sugar cookies?

You can use royal icing or buttercream, and add sprinkles or edible glitter for some fun.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, simply double the ingredient measurements and bake as directed. Ensure you have enough space for chilling and rolling the dough.

Conclusion

With their charming, buttery flavor and infinite customization possibilities, these classic rolled sugar cookies are a delightful addition to your baking routine. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned professionals, this recipe offers a rewarding experience filled with warmth and sweetness. As you perfect your decorating skills, feel free to modify the recipe with variations to match your personal preferences or the theme of your event. We invite you to share your creative designs and any tips you discover along the way. Happy baking and enjoy the delicious journey with these classic rolled sugar cookies!