Name: The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489161H5M47S
Total time: PT-489161H5M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar; 1 1/2 cups butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These rolled sugar cookies are a timeless classic, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday baking. Soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, they hold their shape beautifully when cut with cookie cutters and are ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The dough is easy to roll and cut into shapes
Cookies hold their form without spreading too much
Perfect base for decorating with buttercream or royal icing
Soft, buttery flavor with a tender crumb
A make-ahead friendly dough that chills well

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a large bowl, beat together sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until dough comes together.
Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight for easier rolling.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a work surface. Roll out dough to 1/4–1/2 inch thickness.
Cut dough into shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden on the edges.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 48 cookies, depending on cutter size.

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Chill time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook time: 6–8 minutes per batch
Total time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Add almond extract along with vanilla for a nutty flavor.
Use lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a simple decoration.
Make them chocolate sugar cookies by replacing 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder.
Add festive spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for holiday-themed cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freeze unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.
Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing.

FAQs

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill it overnight or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Why are my cookies tough?

Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can make them tough. Mix just until combined.

Can I bake these without cookie cutters?

Yes, roll the dough into balls and flatten with a glass for round cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch.

How thick should I roll the dough?

About 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for the perfect balance of softness and structure.

Can I decorate cookies before baking?

Yes, sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking if you don’t plan to ice them later.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The dough may not have been chilled enough, or the butter was too soft.

What type of icing works best?

Royal icing is great for detailed designs, while buttercream works well for simple frosting.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and divide the dough for easier handling.

Conclusion

The best rolled sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, birthdays, or just a fun afternoon project, these cookies are easy to make, versatile, and always a hit. With endless decorating possibilities, they’re a recipe you’ll return to again and again.