There’s something timeless and comforting about an Old Fashioned Rolled Sugar Cookie. These classic cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—ideal for decorating or enjoying as-is. Whether you’re baking them for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this tried-and-true recipe delivers that nostalgic homemade taste every time. With a dough that’s easy to roll and cut, and a texture that’s soft but sturdy, these are the best sugar cookies for frosting, sprinkles, or a simple dusting of sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but delicious)

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional for topping: sanding sugar or icing for decorating

Substitutions

• Butter: Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

• Almond extract: Omit or replace with lemon or maple extract.

• Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make gluten-free sugar cookies.

• Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used, though it will slightly darken the cookies and change the flavor.

How to Make Old Fashioned Rolled Sugar Cookie

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes using a wooden spoon or electric hand mixer).

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and optional almond extract.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Decorate or Enjoy

Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles—or keep them simple and classic.

Mix-ins & Flavor Enhancers

• Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.

• Spices: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm flavor.

• Extracts: Swap almond extract with coconut, maple, or peppermint extract for seasonal flair.

Recipe Tips

• Chill well: Chilled dough is easier to roll and keeps the cookie shape intact.

• Flour wisely: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking—too much can toughen the dough.

• Even thickness: Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.

• Underdone is perfect: Cookies should look slightly underbaked when pulled from the oven—they’ll finish setting as they cool.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Freezing Dough: Wrap and freeze dough discs for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before rolling.

• Freezing Baked Cookies: Store undecorated cookies in layers with wax paper for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations

• Holiday Sugar Cookies: Add festive food coloring or shaped sprinkles.

• Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or coconut.

• Jam-Filled Cut-Outs: Make sandwich cookies with a layer of jam in the middle.

• Iced Sugar Cookies: Decorate with royal icing or glaze for a bakery-worthy finish.

FAQs

Can I make Old Fashioned Rolled Sugar Cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

It likely needs more chill time or a light dusting of flour on your work surface.

How do I keep cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled and the baking sheet is not warm when placing dough onto it.

Can I decorate these cookies after baking?

Absolutely. These cookies hold their shape beautifully and are perfect for decorating with icing, fondant, or sprinkles.

These Old Fashioned Rolled Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and delightfully nostalgic—perfect for every occasion from holidays to everyday treats. With just a few pantry staples and one good roll-out, you’ll have a batch of cookies that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.