We can all agree that there's something magical about sugar cookies. Whether we're celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply craving something sweet, sugar cookies are our go-to treat.

Their versatility allows us to create festive shapes and decorations that suit any occasion. This guide will walk you through making the best rolled sugar cookies, complete with tips for success at every step.

Key Ingredients for Success

We always begin with quality ingredients. Unsalted butter gives these cookies their rich, creamy texture, while granulated sugar sweetens every bite. For flavor, we rely on real vanilla extract. Using the right all-purpose flour, measured carefully, ensures a soft dough that rolls out smoothly. Don't forget baking powder for a slight rise and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Mixing the Dough

The process starts with creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air, creating light cookies. Next, we add eggs and vanilla, ensuring the wet ingredients blend seamlessly. Finally, we stir in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—mixing until just combined. The dough is chilled for at least an hour to firm up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.

Easy Classic Sugar Cookies | No Mixer Needed!

Video by Cook Me Food

Rolling and Cutting

When the dough is ready, we roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Our favorite part is cutting shapes with cookie cutters. To avoid sticking, we lightly flour the cutters and place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This method keeps the cookies intact and ensures even baking.

Perfect Baking Techniques

We preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the cookies for six to eight minutes. Watching for light browning at the edges is key—this indicates they're done without overbaking. After removing them from the oven, we transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and readies them for decorating.

Decorating Like a Pro

Decorating is where creativity shines! We wait until the cookies are completely cool to apply icing. A thin, smooth icing can be painted on with a pastry brush, or we pipe intricate designs for special occasions. Adding sprinkles or edible decorations makes each cookie uniquely beautiful.

Storing for Freshness

We store these sugar cookies in airtight containers to preserve their texture and flavor for up to three days. For longer storage, we freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Decorated cookies with hard icing can even be stacked carefully.

Tips from Our Fans

We've heard rave reviews about this recipe. Many love rolling the dough between wax paper for easy cleanup, while others experiment with extracts like lemon for a twist. Let us know your tips and tricks—because sharing is half the fun of baking!

Now it's your turn to try these perfect sugar cookies. Let's create something sweet together!