Description
This is the best rolled sugar cookie recipe, known for its tender yet sturdy texture that holds up perfectly to decoration. With a buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. The dough is chilled for ease of rolling and shaping, and the cookies bake to a delicate golden brown, making them perfect for icing or enjoying plain.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Icing (Optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Milk
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients needed for the cookies to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even distribution for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight; this makes the dough easier to roll and the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cut-out cookies about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating or serving.
- Optional Icing: Mix confectioners’ sugar with milk to a thin consistency and use a pastry brush to paint icing over cooled cookies if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Share these classic rolled sugar cookies with friends and family. They are perfect for gifting along with the recipe!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Use ungreased baking sheets to help cookies hold their shape and achieve a crisp bottom.
- Adjust icing thickness to a paintable consistency to avoid soggy cookies.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Flour dusting is necessary when rolling out dough to prevent sticking but use sparingly to avoid dry dough.
