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The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies With Stunning Icing Designs

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies: Foolproof Recipe for Perfect Cut-Outs

Nicola
These rolled sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating! With crisp edges and a tender center, they hold their shape beautifully when baked. Follow this easy, foolproof recipe for the best rolled sugar cookies that are ideal for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Baking
Cuisine Baking

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for rolling
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional, for extra flavor
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Decorating (Optional):

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk adjust for consistency
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles edible glitter, or sanding sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

  • Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into discs.
  • Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This prevents spreading during baking.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one dough disc to ¼-inch thickness.
  • Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the baking sheet.
  • Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes as needed.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth icing.
  • Divide into separate bowls and mix in gel food coloring as desired.
  • Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate the cookies. Add sprinkles while the icing is wet.
  • Let the icing set completely before stacking or storing.
Keyword Baking