The Ultimate Rolled Sugar Cookies

by

Absolutely! Let’s make this a full, rich, “everything-you-need-to-know” sugar cookie recipe experience, with all the heart, history, and fun included. 🎄🍪

The Ultimate Rolled Sugar Cookies + Perfect Frosting

If you’ve ever tried to make the perfect rolled sugar cookie, you know it’s an art: one that balances flavor, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness. After years of testing, tweaking, and taste-testing, I finally have a recipe that nails it every time. These cookies are light and fluffy yet firm enough to hold any decoration, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because. And because sugar cookies deserve their perfect match, I’m including a frosting/icing recipe that spreads smoothly, dries shiny, and looks like it belongs in a bakery display (even if your decorating skills are strictly “fun and memories only” like mine).

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cookie decorator, this recipe has you covered—from the history to the methods, the love, and the memories. ❤️

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but adds depth)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Frosting/Icing:

  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (adjust for consistency)
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup (for shine)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring as desired

Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  2. Beat in the eggs, then add the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Don’t overmix!
  5. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour (up to overnight).

Method note: Chilling ensures the dough is firm enough to roll without sticking and prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 2: Roll & Cut

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them to baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between cookies.

Formation tip: To avoid warped shapes, chill cut cookies for 10–15 minutes before baking.

Step 3: Bake

  1. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
  2. Remove from oven and let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

History tidbit: Rolled sugar cookies date back to early European settlers who brought simple sugar and butter cookie recipes to America. Over time, decorating them for holidays became a cherished family tradition, especially around Christmas.

Step 4: Frosting/Icing

  1. In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Divide into small bowls and color with food coloring as desired.
  3. Spread onto cooled cookies with a small spatula or the back of a spoon.
  4. Let cookies dry completely at room temperature (corn syrup helps the icing stay shiny).

Method lovers’ tip: For a glossy, professional finish, gently shake or tap cookies after icing to remove air bubbles before drying.

Conclusion & Cookie Lovers’ Notes

These sugar cookies are more than just sweet treats—they’re a canvas for memories. Whether you decorate with intricate designs, sprinkle festive colors, or just smear frosting and eat immediately, the joy is in the process and the togetherness. 🎨💖

  • Perfect texture: Light, fluffy, but firm enough for detailed decoration.
  • Perfect frosting: Smooth, shiny, and spreads beautifully every time.
  • Fun factor: Decorating doesn’t need to be perfect—memories > precision.

💥 Cookie lovers’ bonus: This dough freezes beautifully. Roll once, freeze cut shapes between parchment, and bake fresh whenever your heart desires!

If you want, I can also make a step-by-step visual guide with tips for decorating like a pro without stress, perfect for sharing or making with kids. It’s like giving your cookies a little extra sparkle and charm. ✨

Do you want me to do that next?

Leave a Comment