There is something beautifully timeless about a tray of Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies, their sweet vanilla aroma filling the kitchen and inviting everyone to sneak a taste. With crisp edges, a tender center, and endless decorating potential, these cookies are a celebration of classic baking and the joy of sharing treats made from scratch. Whether you’re gearing up for a holiday, a birthday, or just a weekend project, these cookies promise to deliver that iconic sugar cookie flavor you love—along with memories to savor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies is in their simplicity—the classic baking ingredients each play an essential role. From the rich butter that adds tenderness to the hint of almond that gives subtle depth, every item is a must-have for achieving that perfect texture and nostalgic taste.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, helping them stay just thick enough without spreading too much.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a rich flavor and ideal tender bite—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and that classic crackly edge when baked.
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds a bit of richness to the flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers the signature fragrant aroma and warmth at the heart of any sugar cookie.
- Almond extract (optional): A little goes a long way—if you love nutty undertones, this is a simple upgrade.
How to Make Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This quick step ensures every bite of your Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies is even, from the first to the last. It also makes it easier to incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ones later, keeping your dough lump-free and tender.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl, then beat them together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This is all about incorporating air into the butter, so your cookies will bake up light with just the right hit of sweetness. Don’t rush this step—take your time, and your cookies will thank you!
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Crack in the large egg, pour in the vanilla extract, and add the almond extract if you’re using it. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and velvety. This combo infuses the dough with that trusty sugar cookie flavor and a little extra lushness from the egg.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Next, add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. A little at a time is best—mixing after each addition—just until everything is combined. Overmixing is the enemy here; stop as soon as the dough comes together to keep those cookies melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough in half, shape each half into a flat disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Slide them into the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until fully firm. Chilling keeps your Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies from spreading wildly in the oven, ensuring crisp edges every time. Bonus: it’s easier to roll out cold dough!
Step 6: Roll Out and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disc to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters for fun shapes, placing each cut-out about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you want the absolute crispiest shapes, feel free to chill the trays for an extra 10 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. This brief window is all you need for soft, buttery centers and perfectly defined shapes. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. That’s how you avoid breakage and get that irresistible snap!
Step 8: Decorate
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Let your cookies cool completely, then add your favorite royal icing, sanding sugar, or sprinkles. Personalize each Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookie, making them as fancy or as simple as you like. This is a perfect moment to invite little hands (or eager friends) into the kitchen too.
How to Serve Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your finished cookies with all manner of fun toppings: classic royal icing in vibrant colors, a dusting of sparkling sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a festive touch, edible glitter or tiny pearl sprinkles can upgrade any batch of Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies into eye-catching party treats.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like dunking a fresh sugar cookie in a tall glass of cold milk or pairing it with a mug of tea or rich hot chocolate. For gatherings, arrange your cookies alongside a fruit platter or an array of other homemade treats, so everyone has something to nibble that complements the sweet simplicity of your Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn dessert into a special gift or centerpiece, stack your cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with pretty ribbon, or layer them in a decorative tin. For parties, create a “cookie decorating station” and let guests design their own—a fun and memorable way to show off your batch of Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies and engage friends and family of all ages!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra cookies tucked away in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week. If you’ve decorated with royal icing, let them dry completely before stacking to avoid sticky surprises!
Freezing
One of the best things about Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies is their freezer-friendliness. Freeze the unbaked dough discs (well wrapped) for up to three months, or freeze baked cookies between sheets of parchment in an airtight container. They’ll taste freshly baked when thawed for any cookie emergency.
Reheating
If you crave the taste of just-baked cookies, reheat them gently in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 2–3 minutes. They’ll regain a bit of that “fresh from the oven” aroma and warmth, bringing out all the lovely flavors again.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the butter and lets the flour fully hydrate, meaning your cookies hold their shape during baking and get those beautifully crisp edges that define Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies.
Can I substitute another extract for almond?
Absolutely! Lemon or orange extract make fun alternatives, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a purer vanilla sugar cookie flavor profile.
What’s the best way to get even thickness?
Rolling pin rings or guides are a baker’s secret weapon, but you can also sandwich your dough between two wooden dowels or ruler strips. This ensures uniform bake and perfectly golden cookies every time.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Don’t overbake! Pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just turning gold. The centers will finish setting as they cool, staying soft without getting crumbly.
Can I make these cookies ahead for decorating later?
Definitely. Bake and cool the cookies completely, then store them in an airtight container up to three days before decorating. You can also freeze the baked cookies and thaw before decorating for a party or holiday event.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies, you’ll want to share them at every opportunity, from family holidays to bake sales and beyond. There’s real joy in rolling, cutting, baking, and decorating—so gather your friends, grab your best cookie cutters, and let the baking magic begin!
Print
Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Perfect Roll Out Sugar Cookies are a classic treat for any occasion. With a buttery, vanilla-infused dough that holds its shape well during baking, they are ideal for making beautifully decorated cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough, cut shapes, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Decorate: Decorate the cooled cookies as desired.
Notes
- For crisp edges, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
- These cookies freeze well, both before and after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
