Rolled Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-make cookie recipe, Rolled Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice. These sweet, buttery treats can be customized with colorful icing, sprinkles, or other decorations to suit any holiday or celebration. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a Christmas gathering, or just because, this classic recipe will always impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love Rolled Sugar Cookies

Rolled sugar cookies are simple to prepare, but the results are beautifully crisp and flavorful. With just a few ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, these cookies have a light texture and a subtle sweetness that’s perfect on its own or with added decorations.

Key Features of Rolled Sugar Cookies:

• Customizable Shape and Design: These cookies can be rolled out and cut into any shape you like with cookie cutters. From holiday-themed shapes like stars and trees to custom designs, the possibilities are endless.
• Decorate to Your Heart’s Content: Use royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter to make these cookies uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday like Christmas or Easter, or just a fun weekend baking project, these cookies are suitable for all occasions.

Ingredients for Rolled Sugar Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional for rolling)

For the decorating:

• Icing (Royal or Buttercream)
• Colored sprinkles, sugars, or edible decorations

How to Make Rolled Sugar Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too soft to roll, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it firms up a bit.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your rolling pin to prevent sticking. Once rolled, use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them because they bake quickly. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Decorate and Serve

Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part – decorating! Use royal icing, buttercream, or your preferred frosting to decorate the cookies. You can get creative with colors and patterns. Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or even edible glitter to enhance your design.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: For cleaner cookie edges and easier handling, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Use a Thin Layer of Icing: Don’t overload your cookies with icing. A thin, even layer will create a beautiful finish without overwhelming the cookie.
• Storage: Store your rolled sugar cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept for up to one week at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Rolled sugar cookies are not only a fun baking project but also a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Their simple yet delicious flavor, along with the opportunity to personalize each batch, makes them a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand!

Serving and Storage Tips for Rolled Sugar Cookies

Serving Tips:

1. Serve at Room Temperature: Rolled sugar cookies taste best when served at room temperature. Allow them to cool completely after baking before serving to preserve their delicate texture.
2. Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, serve them alongside milk during holiday gatherings.
3. Presentation: If you’re serving the cookies at a party or event, arrange them on a platter with festive decorations or tiered cake stands for a beautiful display. You can also package them in gift bags for a homemade treat.
4. Use for Special Occasions: Rolled sugar cookies are perfect for themed events. Decorate them with icing and sprinkles to match the color scheme of the party or holiday, making them a hit at birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and more.

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Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature Storage: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week. Be sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper if stacking them to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Freezing Cookies: If you want to make the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies.
   • For Dough: Roll the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and cutting shapes.
   • For Baked Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
3. Decorating and Storing: If you’ve decorated your cookies with icing, let the icing fully set before storing them. Otherwise, the decorations might smudge. You can store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze them for up to a month.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your rolled sugar cookies fresh and delicious, whether right after baking or after storing them for later!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rolled Sugar Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

2. How can I prevent my rolled sugar cookies from spreading too much during baking? To prevent your cookies from spreading, make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. If necessary, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting it into shapes. Additionally, use the right amount of flour to avoid a sticky dough that could spread too much.

3. Can I freeze rolled sugar cookies? Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months.

4. How can I decorate rolled sugar cookies? You can decorate your rolled sugar cookies with royal icing, buttercream, or even melted chocolate. Use piping bags or spread the icing with a spatula. To add extra flair, sprinkle colored sugars, edible glitter, or sprinkles over the icing before it sets for a festive touch!

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