Description
This classic rolled sugar cookie recipe produces delightful, lightly browned cookies perfect for decorating. The cookies have a tender texture with a balanced sweetness and a subtle buttery flavor. Ideal for holiday baking or anytime you want a delicious, versatile sugar cookie that holds its shape well and pairs beautifully with a simple milk-based icing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Icing
- Confectioners' sugar (quantity as needed)
- Milk (quantity as needed to thin icing)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Assemble all the ingredients needed for the cookie dough to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Cream Sugar and Butter: In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of white sugar and 1 ½ cups of softened butter together with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even distribution of sugar and butter for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated to bring moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt until the dough comes together evenly. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to firm up the dough which makes it easier to roll out and enhances flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C). Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking during rolling.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the chilled dough out to a thickness between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, ensuring even thickness for consistent baking.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut dough shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets for proper heat circulation.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are lightly browned around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Carefully remove the cookies from baking sheets and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prepares them for icing and decorating.
- Make and Apply Icing: Prepare a thin icing by mixing confectioners' sugar with milk to a paintable consistency. Use a pastry brush to gently paint the icing onto the cooled cookies, allowing it to set before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve and share these delightful rolled sugar cookies with family and friends, perfect for gifting along with copies of the recipe!
Notes
- To prevent sticking, line baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and to help the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- The icing should be thin enough to spread easily but not so runny that it soaks into the cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For an extra festive touch, add colored sugar or sprinkles to the icing before it sets.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American