The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Soft and buttery rolled sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly and taste divine. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
For Decorating (Optional)
- Royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Cream Butter and SugarIn a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet IngredientsMix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until combined.
- Incorporate Dry IngredientsGradually add the baking powder and flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.
Bake
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Decorate (Optional)
- Use royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to decorate the cookies as desired.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour during rolling.
- For softer cookies, bake for the minimum time. For crisper cookies, add an extra minute or two.