Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies
There’s something magical about rolled sugar cookies. They’re simple, buttery, and perfectly sweet, yet they have the power to turn any ordinary day into a celebration. Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, a rainy afternoon, or just a craving for a little something sweet, these cookies are a go-to recipe for any home baker.
Sugar cookies are timeless. What I love about them is how versatile they can be—whether you’re decorating them with colorful icing for the holidays, enjoying them plain with a cup of coffee, or even gifting them to loved ones. These cookies are soft and tender with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully when cut with cookie cutters, making them ideal for baking with kids or for themed occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only six simple pantry staples come together to create these delightful cookies.
- Perfect for Decorating: The dough holds its shape when baked, so it’s great for intricate cutouts and decorating.
- Soft and Buttery: Creamy butter and sugar create a cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Add fun flavors, sprinkle toppings, or frost them with royal icing.
Ingredients for Rolled Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter: Butter gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 egg: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that classic, comforting flavor. You can use almond extract for a twist!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies—enough to give structure but not too much to make them dense.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand-alone mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2 minutes. This step is crucial to aerate the butter and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Tip: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. It should be room temperature for the best creaming results.
2. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Salt
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until everything is well combined.
- Why it matters: Adding the egg helps the dough come together, while the vanilla adds flavor.
3. Add the Flour
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here—just mix until no streaks of flour remain.
- Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the flour is fully incorporated.
4. Shape and Chill the Dough
Gather the dough and shape it into a flat disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and ensuring the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can pop the dough into the freezer for 20-30 minutes.
5. Roll Out and Cut Shapes
Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your favorite shapes. Transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Pro Tip: Dip the cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes. You’re looking for the tops to be set and no longer shiny—do not wait for them to turn golden brown! Overbaking will make them too crispy.
- Visual cue: If the edges begin to brown, remove the cookies immediately.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. At this point, they’re ready to enjoy plain or to decorate!
Tips for the Perfect Rolled Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: This step is non-negotiable if you want clean edges and cookies that don’t spread.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
- Flour Your Rolling Pin: Lightly dust the rolling pin and work surface to prevent sticking.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same time.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies carefully—they’re done when the tops lose their shine.
How to Decorate Your Sugar Cookies
Rolled sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity! Here are a few fun ways to decorate them:
- Classic Royal Icing: Pipe intricate designs or flood the cookies for a smooth finish.
- Buttercream Frosting: Spread or pipe soft, fluffy frosting for a delicious finish.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles before baking for a simple yet festive touch.
- Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Keep it simple with a light dusting of sugar for an elegant look.
- Food Coloring: Add a few drops to your icing or dough for vibrant, seasonal colors.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
These rolled sugar cookies are a household favorite because they’re reliable, versatile, and downright delicious. With their buttery flavor, soft texture, and endless decorating options, they’re perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you’re in the mood to bake something special.
Whether you’re baking with the kids, making treats for a party, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to your kitchen. So grab your rolling pin, dust off those cookie cutters, and let’s bake some memories together!
Why I Love These Cookies
These cookies are packed with nostalgia and holiday charm. Here’s why they’re so special:
- Simple yet Flavorful: The buttery flavor and hint of vanilla create the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- Fun to Decorate: Whether you’re using sprinkles, icing, or edible glitter, these cookies are a blank canvas for creativity.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for holiday cookie swaps or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is beginner-friendly, yet the cookies look and taste amazing.
Holiday baking is all about making memories, and these cookies are great for family baking sessions or quiet afternoons of holiday creativity.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Sugar Cookies
Follow these tips for perfectly shaped, delicious sugar cookies:
- Use Softened Butter: Softened butter blends easily, creating a light dough that rolls smoothly and bakes evenly.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely: Before decorating, ensure the cookies are fully cooled to keep the icing from melting.
- Store Properly: After decorating, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep designs intact.
These tips make baking (and decorating) holiday sugar cookies a breeze, ensuring each batch is as beautiful as it is delicious!
Variations
Looking to add a twist to the classic recipe? Try these variations:
- Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy flavor.
- Lemon or Almond Twist: Add a bit of lemon zest or almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
- Textured Sugar: Roll cookies in sanding sugar before baking for a beautiful sparkle.
- Dipped and Decorated: Dip baked cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with candy canes or nuts.
These little tweaks can make your sugar cookies stand out, adding a personal touch to the classic recipe.
How to Store & Give as Gifts
Holiday sugar cookies make wonderful gifts. Here’s how to store and package them:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months if preparing in advance.
- Gifting Ideas:
- Arrange cookies in a festive tin or box lined with parchment paper and decorate with holiday tissue or bows.
- Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags with ribbon for a personal touch.
- Add a handwritten recipe card for a thoughtful addition, allowing friends and family to recreate the cookies at home.
Whether you’re giving them as gifts or enjoying them yourself, these cookies bring a touch of holiday warmth and joy to anyone who receives them. Perfect for cookie swaps, family gatherings, or as a sweet gesture for loved ones.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic in the fridge. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
2. Why are my cookies spreading?
Make sure the dough is chilled, and check your oven temperature. Too much warmth will cause the cookies to spread.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
4. How do I store sugar cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Baking Tip: Prevent Your Cookies from Spreading
Ever had your cookies flatten out on the baking sheet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out our latest blog post with simple tricks to keep your cookies in perfect shape, every time.
Read the Full Post
Perfect Rolled Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a stand-alone mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix for 1 minute until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This makes rolling out the dough easier.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the tops are no longer shiny. Do not let them brown – they should be pale for the softest texture.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy them as they are!
Notes
Notes & Tips
- Don’t Overbake: The key to soft sugar cookies is removing them from the oven before the edges turn brown. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Chilling is Essential: Chilling the dough ensures clean cuts with your cookie cutters and prevents the dough from spreading while baking.
- Decorating Ideas: Use royal icing, colored sprinkles, or edible glitter for festive flair.
Enjoy baking! Let me know how your cookies turn out in the comments, and don’t forget to share a picture. Happy baking, friends! 🍪✨
