Super Soft Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Joy In Every Bite

Sweet memories of childhood baking come alive with these delightful rolled sugar cookies that spark joy in every bite.

Soft and delicate, the recipe captures the essence of home-style comfort without complicated steps.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these treats irresistible for anyone who loves a classic dessert.

Family gatherings always feel warmer when these delectable cookies appear on the plate.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create magic in your kitchen.

Each cookie becomes a canvas of sweet possibilities, inviting you to decorate and personalize them.

Who can resist the charm of a perfectly crafted sugar cookie that melts in your mouth?

Dive into this recipe and let the baking adventure begin!

Rolled Sugar Cookies Ready for Icing and Fun

• These rolled sugar cookies transform ordinary baking into a delightful family activity where everyone can join the creative decorating process.
• Whipping up this recipe takes just 20 minutes of active time, making it perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• These cookies shine at multiple occasions like birthdays, holidays, or simple weekend gatherings, offering endless customization through different shapes and decorations.
• With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can successfully create beautiful, tasty cookies that look professionally made.

Everything Needed for Rolled Sugar Cookie Dough

• Flour, Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar: Key dry ingredients for creating the cookie's structure and helping it rise with a slight tangy flavor. All-purpose flour works best, and fresh baking soda ensures good leavening.

• Butter, Sugar: Provide richness and sweetness to the cookie. Room temperature butter blends smoothly and creates a tender texture. Choose granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Egg, Vanilla Extract: Bind the ingredients and add depth of flavor. Fresh eggs help with cookie structure, while pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

• Milk: Used to adjust dough consistency if too dry. Regular whole milk works well.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
• Royal Icing, Buttercream: Perfect for decorating and adding extra sweetness.
• Sprinkles, Colored Sugars, Edible Glitter: Optional toppings for creative cookie design.

Bake Sugar Cookies That Hold Their Shape

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The consistency should look smooth and pale.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are completely incorporated and create a smooth base.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough forms a cohesive ball. If the dough feels too soft, sprinkle a small amount of milk to help it firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Work Surface

Dust a clean countertop or cutting board with flour. This prevents the dough from sticking and makes rolling easier.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Place the dough on the floured surface. Use a rolling pin to spread the dough evenly, aiming for a thin, consistent thickness. Lightly flour the rolling pin if the dough feels sticky.

Step 7: Cut Cookie Shapes

Select your favorite cookie cutters. Press them into the rolled-out dough and carefully transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for slightly golden edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Once cooled, unleash your creativity with royal icing, buttercream, sprinkles, or colored sugars.

Pro Tricks for Clean Sugar Cookie Edges

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie shapes.
• Control Thickness: Roll dough evenly using guide sticks or rubber bands on your rolling pin to ensure consistent cookie thickness and uniform baking.
• Prevent Sticking: Dust work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar instead of flour for a smoother, less dry cookie surface.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Dip cookie cutters in flour between each cut to prevent dough from sticking and create clean, crisp edges.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain cookie structure and texture.

How to Store Decorated Cookies with Care

• Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Wrap undecorated cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 275F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• If cookies become slightly stale, add a slice of bread to the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

Serve Sugar Cookies with These Beverages

• Classic whole milk perfectly complements the buttery, sweet sugar cookies. Its creamy texture balances the delicate crunch, making each bite feel like a comforting embrace.
• Warm spiced chai tea adds depth and complexity to these simple sugar cookies. The aromatic cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger notes dance beautifully with the vanilla undertones of the cookie.
• Lavender or chamomile tea provides a gentle, floral counterpoint to the sugary treat. These soft herbal infusions create a sophisticated and soothing cookie-drinking experience.
• A light, sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling transforms cookie time into an elegant moment. The wine's fruity sweetness harmonizes with the cookie's sugary profile, elevating the entire tasting experience.

Flavors to Infuse in Sugar Cookie Dough

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Adjust liquid content slightly to maintain cookie texture and consistency.
• Vegan Variation: Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of regular eggs to create a dairy-free and egg-free cookie option.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute wheat flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour. Use a sugar alternative like erythritol or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar quantity and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add extra vanilla extract to enhance natural sweetness without increasing caloric content.

Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet vanilla-infused rolled sugar cookies bring classic comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Delicate edges and perfectly golden centers invite home bakers to craft nostalgic treats that melt in your mouth with buttery, sugary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Decoration (optional):

• Royal icing or buttercream frosting
• Sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a workspace with a clean, floured surface for dough preparation and rolling.
2. Combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar – in a mixing bowl, ensuring they are well integrated.
3. In a separate large bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients are completely combined and the texture is uniform.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a cohesive dough that holds together without being too sticky.
6. If the dough feels too soft for rolling, add milk sparingly, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency becomes more manageable.
7. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and roll it out evenly to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, using a lightly floured rolling pin to prevent sticking.
8. Select cookie cutters and carefully press them into the rolled dough, creating desired shapes and transferring the cut cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely to ensure the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color without overcooking.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Once the cookies have cooled entirely, unleash creativity by decorating with royal icing, buttercream, or preferred frosting, adding sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter for extra flair.

Notes

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain sharp cookie shapes.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and even mixing, creating a more consistent dough texture.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, keeping the same measurements and mixing technique.
• Roll cookies to uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) for consistent baking and professional-looking results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg