These Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are a fun treat! They are soft, sweet, and perfect for cutting into shapes. You can decorate them however you like—sprinkles, icing, you name it!
Making these cookies feels like a little party in the kitchen. I love having friends join in to shape and decorate! They’re great for any celebration or just because—who doesn’t love a cookie?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your main base. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I find that the texture can be a bit different, but they still taste great!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt content. If you’re dairy-free, use margarine or a plant-based butter. Make sure it’s softened to mix easily!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for sweetness and texture. Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a slight flavor twist, but they may affect the color.
Egg: The egg adds moisture and helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Vanilla Extract: This adds wonderful flavor. I love using pure vanilla extract over imitation for a richer taste. Almond extract can be a fun substitute for a different twist!
How Do You Roll Out Dough Without It Sticking?
Rolling out sugar cookie dough can be tricky if it sticks to the surface. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Lightly flour the surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- If the dough is too soft, chill it longer to firm it up.
- Roll out between two pieces of parchment paper for an easy, no-mess option.
- Keep a bench scraper handy to lift the cookies gently without distorting their shapes.
With these tips, you’ll be rolling out perfect cookies in no time! Remember to work with chilled dough and use enough flour for a smooth process.
How to Make Roll-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Icing (royal or buttercream)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour for chilling. After baking, allow around 10–15 minutes for cooling and decorating. Altogether, you’ll spend about 2 hours from start to finish, but it’ll be so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for now.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. It’s important as it adds air to the mixture, leading to light cookies!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. This will give your cookies that delicious flavor!
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough comes together. This is the base of your cookies—tender and sweet!
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape when baked.
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Make sure to keep the other disk in the fridge while you work to keep it cold!
8. Cut the Cookies:
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
9. Bake Your Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. You want the edges to be just starting to turn golden. Watch them closely as baking time can vary!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once they’re baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate!
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! Use icing, colored sugar, and sprinkles to make them as festive as you like.
12. Store Your Cookies:
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to one week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
These Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Enjoy decorating them and sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need to avoid gluten. Just be sure to check that it includes xanthan gum, which helps with texture!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and hard to work with, you can sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on the rolling pin. Alternatively, chill the dough a bit longer to make it easier to roll out.
How Should I Decorate My Cookies?
Icing is a fun way to decorate your cookies! You can use royal icing for intricate designs or buttercream for a thicker frosting. Sprinkles and colored sugar also add a lovely touch. Get creative!
How Can I Store the Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies; just make sure they are fully cooled and wrapped well to prevent freezer burn!
