Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Soft and sweet, these cookies hold their shape, making them great for cookie cutters and fun shapes.
Getting creative with colors and sprinkles is the best part! I love having a decorating party with friends—it’s so fun to see everyone’s tasty creations!
Plus, you can whip them up in no time. Just mix, roll, cut, and bake. It’s a simple way to add extra joy to your day, one cookie at a time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most recipes.
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work fine!
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their sweetness. You could substitute half with brown sugar for a slight caramel flavor, or use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a low-calorie version.
Extracts: Vanilla is a must for flavor! If you don’t have almond extract, leave it out or replace it with a bit more vanilla. Adding lemon zest could also give a fresh twist!
How Do I Get My Cookies to Hold Their Shape?
Keeps cookies from spreading too much during baking! Here’s how to achieve perfectly shaped cookies:
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the butter, helping cookies hold their shapes better.
- Roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch. This makes sure they bake evenly.
- Keep your cookie cutters clean by dipping them in flour before cutting the dough—this helps maintain clean shapes!
Following these tricks will give you beautiful, decorated cookies to enjoy! Happy baking! 🍪
How to Make Roll-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating (optional)
Time Needed for Preparation:
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of baking time, plus any additional time you want to spend decorating your cookies. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes to get everything done and ready for enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab some baking sheets and line them with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until everything is blended nicely. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. It’s the key to soft cookies!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Remember to mix well so that all the ingredients are combined.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now it’s time to gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Add the flour mixture in batches, blending it well as you go. If the dough seems too dry, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft but not sticky.
6. Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Now for the fun part! Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your favorite shapes like stars, hearts, or Christmas trees.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place the shaped cookies about 1 inch apart on your lined baking sheets. Don’t forget! If you want, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies for decoration before you bake.
8. Bake Them Up:
Time to bake! Put the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft!
9. Cool and Decorate:
Once they’re done, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to decorate with icing or more sprinkles!
That’s it! Enjoy your delicious roll-out sugar cookies, perfect for sharing or just indulging on your own. Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can use a whole wheat flour variant, but keep in mind it will make the cookies denser. If you decide to do this, consider mixing half all-purpose flour with half whole wheat flour for a lighter texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much While Baking?
Cookies may spread if the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled prior to baking. To prevent this, make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the rolled-out dough for at least 30 minutes before cutting and baking.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out to bake!
