Roll-Out Sugar Cookies are a fun and sweet treat! They have a soft, buttery base that you can shape into any cookie form you like. Perfect for holidays or any occasion!
Making these cookies feels like a party! I love rolling out the dough and cutting out fun shapes. Plus, nothing beats decorating them with colorful sprinkles or icing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and a bit of crunch. For a variation in flavor, use brown sugar instead. It will add a slight molasses taste and more moisture.
Egg: The egg binds the dough. If you’re vegan, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water and set aside until thick).
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: These add a lovely flavor. If you’re not an almond fan, substitute with another flavor extract like lemon or just add more vanilla for a simpler taste.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the right dough texture can ensure your cookies hold their shape while baking. Here are tips to achieve that:
- Start with softened butter – it should be slightly warm to the touch, not melted.
- Mix your butter and sugar well until light and fluffy, as this incorporates air into the dough.
- When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies!
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This firms up the fats and makes it easier to handle.
Remember, the key to enjoying these cookies is to keep the dough cool, so if it warms up while rolling out, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Happy baking! 🌟
Roll-Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For Topping and Decoration:
- Granulated sugar or sanding sugar for topping
- Royal icing or sugar glaze for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 1 hour to chill the dough. Baking takes 8–10 minutes, so you’ll be enjoying your cookies in about 1.5 hours total (not including cooling time!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and helps prevent clumping.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix for about 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step adds air to your dough, making the cookies nice and tender.
3. Add Egg and Extracts:
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix everything well until it’s fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies!
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you can wait, chilling overnight is even better!
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
7. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. This is the perfect thickness for cookie shapes!
8. Cut Cookies:
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place the shapes about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets.
9. Add Sugar:
For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with granulated sugar or sanding sugar for a fun sparkle!
10. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
11. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate (Optional):
If you want to get creative, decorate your cooled cookies with royal icing or sugar glaze. Let the icing set before you store them to keep them fresh!
13. Repeat:
Follow the same steps with the remaining dough until all cookies are cut, baked, and decorated.
Enjoy your soft, buttery roll-out sugar cookies, perfect for cutting into fun shapes and decorating—happy baking!
Can I Use Substitute Ingredients for the Sugar Cookies?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, and for butter, if you’re dairy-free, use a vegan butter alternative. You can also substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
How Should I Store the Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’ve decorated them with icing, make sure it’s fully set before stacking to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough up to a week in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling out.
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much While Baking?
If your cookies spread, it might be due to using warmer butter or not chilling the dough adequately before baking. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for at least an hour or longer for the best results.