Introduction
Bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations with these Homemade Rolled Sugar Cookies. Perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion, these cookies are a delightful mix of buttery goodness and sweet simplicity. Decorate them with vibrant sprinkles or colorful icing for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re baking with kids or creating a festive platter for guests, these cookies are easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a batch of cookies that evoke holiday cheer and warm memories.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these classic cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Add your favorite colors and decorations for personalized cookies.
- Perfect for all occasions: These cookies are versatile enough for holidays, birthdays, or everyday treats.
- Kid-friendly: A fun activity for the whole family to enjoy together.
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender, airy cookie. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the dough. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough. - Color the Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to use food coloring, divide the dough into portions and mix in your desired colors until evenly distributed. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. - Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to your desired thickness (around 1/4 inch is ideal for most cookies). Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. - Decorate (Optional)
If using sprinkles, decorate the cookies before baking for a colorful and festive look. - Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are best when soft and tender. - Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy plain or with your favorite icing!
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step; it prevents the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Uniform thickness: Use rolling pin rings or guides to ensure even thickness for consistent baking.
- Flavor variations: Swap vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a unique twist.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
Rolled sugar cookies are a timeless holiday tradition. They’re simple to make yet offer endless opportunities for creativity. From classic holiday shapes to intricate icing designs, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cookies are a hit for:
- Christmas platters: Add them to your holiday dessert table.
- Gifting: Package in decorative tins or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Family fun: Create a festive baking tradition with your loved ones.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 100 kcal per cookie
- Serving size: About 24 cookies
Conclusion
Homemade Rolled Sugar Cookies are the epitome of festive joy and homemade charm. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with decorations, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Bake a batch today and share the magic of these delicious, versatile treats with those you love. Happy baking!