Name: Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 17 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 32
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups butter; 2 cups white sugar; 4 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; sanding sugar

Indulge in a sweet treat with this rolled sugar cookies recipe. Perfect for all ages, these cookies are not only delectably sweet but also fun to make. This recipe features basic ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, guaranteeing a delightful baking experience and wonderfully tasty results.

Photos of Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

This recipe calls for sanding sugar, which is not a common pantry item. Sanding sugar is a large-crystal sugar used as an edible decoration that will not dissolve when subjected to heat. It provides a nice sparkle and slight crunch to the cookies. When you're at the supermarket, you can usually find it in the baking aisle.

Ingredients Needed for Rolled Sugar Cookies

Butter: Provides the cookies with a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

White sugar: Sweetens the cookies and adds to their crisp texture.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, giving the cookies their structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the cookies.

All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Sanding sugar: Adds a beautiful sparkle and a bit of crunch to the finished cookies.

One reader, Hailey Frame says:

These rolled sugar cookies are a delight! The dough is easy to work with and the cookies come out perfectly soft and sweet. The recipe is a hit with my family and friends. I love how versatile it is, allowing me to create fun shapes and decorate them with colorful sanding sugar. Delicious!

Hailey Frame

Techniques Required for Making Rolled Sugar Cookies

How to cream butter and sugar: Creaming butter and sugar together involves beating them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cookies.

How to roll out dough: Rolling out the cookie dough involves placing it on a floured surface and using a rolling pin to flatten it to a desired thickness, typically between ¼ to ½ inch.

How to cut into shapes: After rolling out the dough, use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Ensure the shapes are cut close together to minimize dough waste.

How to chill dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to develop and the butter to solidify, making it easier to handle and roll out. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

How to bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or decorating.

How to decorate with sanding sugar: After the cookies have been cut and placed on the baking sheet, sprinkle them with sanding sugar before baking to add a decorative touch and a bit of sweetness.

How To Make Rolled Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a staple in every celebration. And the best part? These only take 8 minutes to bake. Decorate yours with colorful sprinkles or frosting.

Preparation: 17 minutes

Cooking: 8 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupsbuttersoftened
2cupswhite sugar
4eggs
1tspvanilla extract
5cupsall-purpose flour
2tspbaking powder
1tspsalt
sanding sugaroptional

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Roll out dough on floured surface ¼ to ½ inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in a preheated oven.
Cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 206.23kcal
Fat: 9.33g
Saturated Fat: 5.66g
Trans Fat: 0.35g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.45g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.51g
Carbohydrates: 28.12g
Fiber: 0.53g
Sugar: 13.15g
Protein: 2.78g
Cholesterol: 42.87mg
Sodium: 104.70mg
Calcium: 29.86mg
Potassium: 31.35mg
Iron: 1.04mg
Vitamin A: 81.38µg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Sugar Cookies

In a large bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface ¼ to ½ inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in a preheated oven. Cool completely.

When rolling out your cookie dough, ensure it's evenly spread to maintain a consistent thickness. This will ensure that all your cookies bake at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are undercooked. Using a rolling pin with adjustable rings can help achieve this uniform thickness.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to save time and make the process more efficient.

Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to quickly and thoroughly cream the butter and sugar, saving time and effort compared to hand mixing.

Chill the dough: While the dough is chilling, use that time to prepare the baking sheets and preheat the oven, maximizing efficiency.

Roll out the dough: Roll out the entire batch of dough at once to save time, rather than doing it in smaller batches.

Bake in batches: If your oven can accommodate multiple baking sheets, bake the cookies in batches to save time.

Organize decorating supplies: Prepare and organize your decorating supplies and tools in advance to streamline the decorating process.

Clean as you go: Clean up any messes and wash dishes as you go to maintain a tidy workspace and minimize post-baking cleanup time.

Substitute Ingredients For Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe

butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in sugar cookie recipes. It has a similar fat content and can provide a similar texture and flavor to the cookies.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar in sugar cookie recipes. It will add a slightly different flavor and color to the cookies.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for eggs in sugar cookie recipes for a vegan or egg-free option. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour in sugar cookie recipes for a nuttier flavor and added nutritional value.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder in sugar cookie recipes. Use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder and add an acid such as cream of tartar.
sanding sugar - Substitute with colored sprinkles: Colored sprinkles can be used as a substitute for sanding sugar to add a decorative touch to the sugar cookies.

Creative Ways to Present These Delightful Cookies

Elevate the cookie shapes: Use unique and intricate cookie cutter shapes to create visually stunning and professional-looking cookies. The shapes should be precise and well-defined, showcasing attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Incorporate edible garnishes: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating edible sanding sugar in various colors to add a subtle sparkle and visual appeal to the cookies. This will create a sophisticated and refined presentation that will impress the judges.
Arrange in a symmetrical pattern: Place the cookies in a perfectly symmetrical pattern on the serving platter, ensuring that each cookie is positioned with precision and care. This meticulous arrangement will demonstrate a high level of artistry and attention to detail.
Use a high-quality serving platter: Present the rolled sugar cookies on a porcelain platter or a marble slab to elevate the overall presentation. The use of a premium serving dish will convey a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Incorporate a variety of shapes and sizes: Showcase the versatility of the rolled sugar cookies by incorporating a diverse range of shapes and sizes. This will demonstrate creativity and skill in cookie preparation, adding visual interest to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Perfect Sugar Cookies

Mixing bowl: A large, sturdy bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dough.
Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
Cookie cutter: A tool used to cut dough into various shapes for cookies.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used to place the cookies for baking in the oven.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking the rolled sugar cookies to perfection.

Storing and Freezing Rolled Sugar Cookies for Later

Once the sugar cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them soft and fresh, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the cookies are frozen solid. This step prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored.
After the initial freezing, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen sugar cookies can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
If you want to decorate the cookies with icing or frosting, it's best to do so after thawing the cookies. This ensures that the decorations adhere properly and maintain their appearance.
For the best texture and flavor, consume the thawed cookies within a day or two. If you need to store them for a bit longer after thawing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How To Reheat Leftover Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sugar cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the cookies are not touching each other to ensure even heating. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste freshly baked.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the sugar cookies in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help soften the cookies without making them soggy. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become too soft and lose their shape.
For a quick and easy method, place the sugar cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. This will warm them up without altering their texture significantly. However, be mindful that microwaving can sometimes result in uneven heating.
If you have a few sugar cookies to reheat, consider using a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crisp. This method is ideal for small batches and allows for more control over the heating process.
For a unique twist, try reheating your sugar cookies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warm and crisp. This method will give your cookies a slightly different texture and can be a fun way to experiment with leftover treats.

Interesting Trivia About Rolled Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are believed to have originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German Protestant settlers created the round, crumbly treats. The cookies were initially known as Nazareth cookies, and they were often made for holidays and special occasions. Over time, the recipe evolved, and the cookies became a popular choice for various celebrations, including Christmas and Easter. Today, rolled sugar cookies remain a beloved classic, enjoyed by people of all ages.

Is Making Rolled Sugar Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

After carefully analyzing the cost of ingredients and considering the yield, this rolled sugar cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of basic pantry staples such as butter, sugar, eggs, and flour keeps the overall cost low. The yield of the recipe is substantial, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10-15, depending on the quality of ingredients used. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Are Rolled Sugar Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This rolled sugar cookie recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

The recipe contains a high amount of butter and sugar, which are calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
White sugar is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide empty calories without much nutritional value.
All-purpose flour is made from refined wheat, which has been stripped of its fiber and many nutrients during processing.
The recipe lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals that could contribute to a balanced diet.

While these cookies can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, regular consumption may not be ideal for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar and butter in the recipe, or replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content
Add in some healthy ingredients like finely grated zucchini, carrots, or nuts to boost the nutritional value
Use dark chocolate chips or dried fruit instead of sanding sugar for a more nutrient-dense topping
Reduce the size of each cookie to help with portion control and calorie intake

Editor's Opinion on This Classic Cookie Recipe

This rolled sugar cookie recipe is a classic and timeless treat. The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates a rich and indulgent flavor, while the addition of sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch. The dough is easy to work with and can be shaped into any desired form, making it a versatile option for any occasion. The cookies bake to a perfect golden brown and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Overall, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and delight anyone with a sweet tooth.

Enhance Your Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese

Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruit salad with a zesty honey-lime dressing

Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Succulent grilled chicken breast served over a bed of creamy fettuccine alfredo

Tomato Basil Soup: Rich and velvety tomato basil soup topped with a dollop of fresh pesto

Similar Cookie Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs create a flavorful marinade that will make your chicken tender and juicy.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These mango coconut popsicles are a refreshing and tropical treat for a hot summer day. The sweet and tangy flavor of ripe mango combined with creamy coconut milk will transport you to a beach paradise with every bite.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Rolled Sugar Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy filling, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta topped with a vibrant and fresh mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. The combination of tangy tomatoes and aromatic herbs on crispy bread creates a burst of flavor in every bite, setting the stage for a delightful meal ahead.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, flavorful Alfredo sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. Serve it over steamed rice for a flavorful and satisfying dinner option.

Why trust this Rolled Sugar Cookies Recipe:

This recipe is a tried and true classic, perfected over generations. The butter lends a rich flavor, while the vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma. The use of all-purpose flour ensures a perfect texture, and the addition of sanding sugar provides a delightful crunch. With careful attention to detail and quality ingredients like baking powder and eggs, these rolled sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Share your favorite rolled sugar cookies recipe or discuss baking techniques in the Baking and Desserts forum.

FAQ:

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may be slightly different.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for longer than one hour?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze the rolled cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the rolled cookie dough. After rolling it out, place the dough between layers of parchment paper and then wrap it in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator before cutting and baking the cookies.

Can I add flavorings or extracts to the dough?

Certainly! You can customize the flavor of the cookies by adding different extracts such as almond, lemon, or orange. Just be mindful of the quantity to avoid overpowering the cookie's natural taste.

How should I store the baked cookies?

Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.