Experience baking perfection with this 7-ingredient Rolled Sugar Cookies recipe. They have crispy edges, a soft, chewy center, and a buttery vanilla flavor. With just 7 ingredients, you can make a classic treat or an elegant dessert by decorating it with bright and shiny icing.
Can I use a different type of flour?
I haven’t tried this yet, but if you experiment with different types of flour, remember that the texture and the flavor will change.
How do I decorate the cookies?
Prepare an icing and decorate the cookies using a piping bag or a pastry brush. Optional, sprinkle your favorite candy sprinkles on top. You can also serve these cookies without decorating them.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
To prevent cookies from spreading, make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. Also, dust the work surface with flour before rolling out the dough.
Store Rolled Sugar Cookies
Make sure the icing is already hardened if you are icing them. Then, place the cookies in an airtight container in a single layer or place a parchment paper between layers. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Easy 7-Ingredient Rolled Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the rolled sugar cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the icing, optional:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- food coloring, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer, until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom and the sides of the bowl to mix everything well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients. Stir using a rubber spatula until combined and no lumps of flour remain.
- Divide the dough into two pieces and form into discs. It will be easier for you to roll out one piece of the dough at a time. Cover or wrap with plastic wrap. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the first piece of the dough from the refrigerator. Lightly flour the work surface and the rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Cut out the dough using a cookie cutter. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet leaving at least 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, carefully transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat with the remaining dough. Dust the work surface with flour again, if needed.
- Serve the rolled sugar cookies with or without icing.
- Prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more milk until you reach the desired consistency. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar instead. Divide the icing into the small bowls and add food coloring.
- Transfer each color of icing to piping bags (or just spread evenly over the cookies with a butter knife), and decorate your cookies. Then, let the icing harden and enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions about Rolled Sugar Cookies
1. What temperature should I bake the cookies?
For rolled sugar cookies, we recommend baking them at 400°F. Make sure that you preheat the oven well.
2. How long do I bake the cookies?
Bake rolled sugar cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden and set. Don’t overbake them.
3. Why is the dough sticky?
The dough can be sticky if it’s too warm. Chill the dough overnight or for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. It will help to firm it up. Also, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
4. How do I measure flour correctly?
To measure the flour correctly, spoon the flour into a dry and clean measuring cup. Then, level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup or your cookies could turn out too dense.
5. How thick should I roll the dough?
For the best results, we recommend rolling the dough to about ¼-inch thick.
6. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is necessary because it helps to easily roll out the dough and hold the cookie shape during the baking.