Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

Here is a basic recipe for buttery, crisp sugar cookies. While it is simple, it is equally tasty. This variation uses colored sugars to decorate the tops. The four recipes that follow use the same cookie dough, but are formed and decorated to give you very different results. Field Notes: This is often the first rolled cookie taught to American children. Recipes from the early 1800s are very similar in that none of them use baking powder, which didn’t come into use till decades later. The lack of leavener helps keep the cookies flat, which yields a nice surface for whatever kind of decoration you like. Lifespan: 1 month at room temperature in an airtight container.

NotesThis dough is sensitive to heat and humidity; the more of each there is, the stickier the dough. If you find you have a soft, sticky dough after following the directions, just add a bit more flour and you will have success.

You will probably want to make cookies of all sizes and shapes. Just make sure that similarly sized cookies are on the same pan so that they bake evenly.

Cooking Methodbaking

CostInexpensive

Total Timeunder 4 hours

Make Ahead RecipeYes

Kid FriendlyYes

Recipe Coursedessert, snack

Dietary Considerationhalal, kosher, peanut free, soy free, tree nut free, vegetarian

Equipmentelectric mixer

Taste and Texturebuttery, crisp, sweet

Type of Dishcookie