Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are sweet and fun to make! They have a nice, soft texture and are perfect for cutting into shapes. You can decorate them as you like!
These cookies remind me of childhood memories where we decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. I love sharing them during holidays or just for a treat! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works surprisingly well in most cookie recipes.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you don’t have much, you can use half butter, half shortening for a softer cookie. Vegan butter is also a great substitute for a dairy-free version!
Granulated Sugar: This is what sweetens the cookies. You can try using a mix of granulated and brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re watching sugar intake, coconut sugar or a sugar alternative may work too.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough. If you need an egg-free option, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or applesauce. Both work well!
Almond Extract: This adds a lovely nutty flavor, but it’s completely optional! If you’re not a fan, just stick with vanilla for a classic taste.
How Do I Chill the Dough Properly?
Chilling the dough is important for the cookies to hold their shape while baking. It allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to handle.
- Divide the dough into two portions for easier rolling.
- Flatten each portion into a disk shape before wrapping. This helps it chill faster and makes it easier to roll out later.
- Make sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to avoid drying out.
- Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight if you have time—that extra chill can even improve the flavor!
Enjoy shaping and decorating these cookies! They’re iconic and perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Roll-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 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 buttermilk or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and requires chilling the dough for at least 1 hour. Baking time is about 8 to 10 minutes per batch, so overall, you’ll need a couple of hours to make these delicious cookies—from start to finish, including cooling down time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Doing this ensures that the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Mix for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, along with the vanilla extract and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Mix well after each addition. Once combined, add the buttermilk or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. It should hold together without being gooey.
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk shape and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped disks in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This step makes rolling out the dough later much easier.
6. Preheat the Oven:
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Keep the other disk in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
8. Cut and Shape Cookies:
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cutouts about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you’d like, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or sprinkles for extra fun!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Repeat:
Repeat the rolling and baking process with the remaining disk of dough until all cookies are made. Enjoy decorating your cookies with icing if you like or simply enjoy them plain!
These Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, and they’re fun to decorate with family and friends. Happy baking! 🍪
Can I Use Reduced Fat Butter or Margarine?
While you can use reduced-fat butter or margarine, it may alter the texture of the cookies. For the best results, stick to unsalted butter for a rich, fluffy cookie. If using margarine, ensure it’s not a “light” version as that can lead to denser cookies.
Is It Possible to Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want!
Can I Add Flavor Variations?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as lemon or peppermint, for unique flavors. You can also add in chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles for a fun twist!
What’s the Best Way to Store Baked Cookies?
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag once frozen. They’ll last about 3 months in the freezer!
