Rolled Sugar Cookie Cutouts

This rolled sugar cookie dough is the secret to perfect cutout cookies every single time. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than an hour from start to finish, you can create classic Christmas sugar cookies that are soft, easy to roll, and never spread in the oven. Whether you're searching for the best Christmas sugar cookie recipe for decorating or safe playdough cookies to bake with toddlers, this rolled sugar cookie dough delivers delicious bakery style results fast.

I started making these perfect sugar cookies for my kids when I needed a stress free Christmas activity and now they ask for this dough every time we pull out the cookie cutters for any holiday. The creamy, easy to work with dough makes rolling and cutting out shapes fun for all ages and always bakes up sweet, soft, and golden. My family loves decorating them with sprinkles and icing, and these cookies have become our go to for both special occasions and simple afternoons.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All-purpose flour for rolled sugar cookies: Forms a sturdy dough foundation and prevents spreading; measure by spooning and leveling for accuracy, or use whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier alternative
• Cream of tartar: Key for signature softness and a gentle tang balancing sweetness; make sure it is fresh for best results, or substitute with two teaspoons of lemon juice in a pinch
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors; opt for fine sea salt which mixes evenly, or use kosher salt for a subtle texture
• Butter at room temperature: Blends smoothly to add rich classic flavor to cutout sugar cookies; choose unsalted butter or plant based sticks for dairy free needs
• Granulated sugar: Provides ideal sweetness and helps create crisp edges and soft centers; use organic cane sugar if preferred
• Large eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture and chew, making cookies easy to cut and lift; let eggs come to room temperature for best texture
• Almond extract: Delivers a distinct bakery style aroma for classic sugar cookie flavor; substitute orange or lemon zest for a bright twist or omit for nut allergy safety
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the dough's flavor; avoid imitation extracts for authentic results or try vanilla bean paste for extra depth

How to Make Rolled Sugar Cookies

Preheat the Oven to 350 Degrees F:

Set your oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350 degrees F. Preheating ensures consistent, even baking so your sugar recipe cutout cookies will turn out perfectly every time with defined shapes.

Whisk Dry Ingredients for Even Texture:

In a medium bowl, combine three cups of all-purpose flour with cream of tartar and salt. Whisk for at least thirty seconds to thoroughly mix and aerate, which results in lighter, fluffier beginner Christmas cookies that bake up soft.

Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy:

Beat the room temperature butter together with granulated sugar in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment for three full minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy and increase in volume, which traps air for soft sugar cookies with delicate crumb. Do not rush this step.

Add Eggs and Extracts for Rich Flavor:

With the mixer on low, add eggs one by one until blended, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down the bowl and beat just until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, which means everything is well incorporated for best texture and taste.

Mix in Dry Ingredients Just Until Combined:

Slowly add the whisked flour mixture with the mixer on low or by hand, mixing only until incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can cause cutout cookies to become tough, so stop as soon as the dough is smooth and even.

Roll Out Dough on Floured Surface:

Sprinkle flour on your countertop and rolling pin, place the dough onto the surface, and gently roll to one quarter inch thickness. Smooth, even thickness ensures cookies bake at the same rate and hold their shape—add flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid excess to keep the cookies tender.

Cut Out and Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheet:

Use your preferred cookie cutters for classic Christmas sugar cookie cutout shapes or allow kids to use the dough like playdough. Place cookies at least one inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet to get sharp edges and even browning.

Bake Until Set and Pale Golden:

Bake for about eight to ten minutes, watching carefully for pale golden edges and set centers. Large cookies may require one or two extra minutes. Remove as soon as edges color lightly to keep sugar cookies soft, not dry.

Cool and Decorate as Desired:

Cool cookies for two minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack. Once fully cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoy plain for the ultimate easy sugar cookie experience.

The first time I made these as a Christmas activity, I was surprised by how smoothly the dough handled, even with little helpers pressing cookie cutters of all shapes. Real almond extract brought out the bakery style flavor, and now this is our family’s must have cookie for every celebration. Whether you need soft sugar cookies for Santa or a festive snack for friends, these always deliver happy memories and delicious results.

Smart Swaps and Variations

For a healthier twist, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to make toddler friendly Christmas cookies or boost fiber. Try using plant based butter and an egg replacer if you want a dairy free or vegan version—these swaps give reliable results without losing texture. Switch vanilla extract for lemon or peppermint extract for holiday flair, or work cinnamon and nutmeg into the flour for classic spiced cutouts—each change brings new bakery cookie inspiration for every season.

How to Store and Reheat Rolled Sugar Cookies

Store cooled sugar cookies in an airtight lidded container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in parchment lined layers inside a sturdy container for up to three months, then thaw at room temperature. Store leftover dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap; if refrigerating, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling, or freeze and thaw overnight for quick baking any time.

What to Serve with Rolled Sugar Cookies

Pair these rolled sugar cookies with hot chocolate or mulled cider for a cozy winter treat that delights all ages. A fresh fruit salad or berries add color and lighten up a cookie tray for parties, or serve with whipped cream for a festive dessert. For special occasions, stack cookies with ice cream or arrange a platter with different shapes and sprinkles for easy sharing at family gatherings or kids’ birthdays.

Nutritional Benefits

These rolled sugar cookies are made from simple pantry ingredients, naturally vegetarian, and free of artificial colors or flavors when made from scratch. Each cookie provides a source of protein and healthy fats when you choose quality butter and eggs, and using whole wheat or oat flour offers more fiber. At roughly 430 calories per serving, you get a sweet treat that fits most festive diets with easy modifications for gluten free or dairy free needs.

Recipe Success Tips

If your dough feels sticky, add just enough flour to roll without overworking to keep cookies soft. Watch bake time closely and remove as soon as edges turn pale golden for the best soft centers. If dough tears while rolling, gently press it back together—this recipe is forgiving, making it ideal for beginner Christmas cookies or baking with kids who want a hands on holiday project.

These rolled sugar cookies make every holiday or family night a sweet memory and a blank canvas for creativity and fun. Bake a batch, decorate your favorite shapes, and share the festive joy with friends and family this season!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How thick should I roll the sugar cookie dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even baking and the perfect balance of softness and structure in each cookie.

→ What helps cutout cookies keep their shape?

A well-chilled dough and even rolling prevent spreading. Using the right flour to fat ratio also helps cookies hold crisp edges after baking.

→ Can almond extract be omitted or substituted?

Yes, almond extract may be omitted for an all-vanilla flavor, or replaced with another extract such as lemon or orange for variety in aroma and taste.

→ How should I decorate these cookies?

Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, colored sugars, or sprinkles. Icing can be piped or spread for both detailed designs and simple finishes.

→ Is chilling the dough required?

This dough doesn't require chilling, but a brief chill may help if your kitchen is warm or if you're making intricate shapes for holiday cookies.

→ How should I store baked sugar cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies and thaw as needed.