The holidays are my favorite time of year, filled with laughter, family, and of course, baking. Every Christmas season, I find myself back in the kitchen making Rolled Sugar Cookies, a tradition passed down in my family. These cookies are not just desserts; they are little pieces of love, joy, and cherished memories. From mixing the dough to decorating them with family and friends, the process of making these cookies feels like wrapping myself in a warm holiday hug.
Let me take you on a personal journey through this delightful recipe and why it holds such a special place in my heart.
The Start of a Holiday Tradition
My love for rolled sugar cookies began when I was a child. Every December, my mom would pull out her worn recipe book, a collection of handwritten cards passed down from her mother. The smell of butter, sugar, and vanilla filled the air as we gathered around the kitchen counter. My siblings and I would argue over who got to choose the cookie cutters—a magical collection of stars, bells, snowflakes, and gingerbread men.
Fast forward to today, and I’m the one leading the charge in my kitchen. The recipe may have evolved slightly, but the heart behind it remains the same. There’s something about the soft, buttery sweetness of a sugar cookie, paired with the fun of decorating, that makes these cookies the highlight of every holiday season.
The Recipe: Simple Yet Special
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (start with 2 and adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
Making the dough is my favorite part because it brings back so many memories. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. The key here is patience—letting the butter and sugar blend into a fluffy base. I always imagine my mom standing beside me, gently reminding me not to rush.
Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. The dough comes together beautifully, soft and pliable. This is where the magic begins.
2. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it for at least an hour, though overnight is even better. I often split the dough into two portions, freezing one batch for a second round of cookies later in the season. Chilling is crucial—it gives the dough time to firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
3. Roll and Cut
When the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. This part feels like a nostalgic dance, especially when I pull out my beloved collection of cookie cutters. My kids now join me in this tradition, picking their favorite shapes and excitedly planning how they’ll decorate each one.
4. Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The smell that fills the house during this step is like Christmas in the air—warm, inviting, and utterly delightful.
Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
The Icing: Creativity Unleashed
Making the Icing
In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, honey or corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve the perfect spreading consistency. It should be thick enough to stay on the cookie but smooth enough to spread easily.
Decorating the Cookies
This is where the fun begins! Divide the icing into small bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. I love experimenting with reds, greens, and blues for a festive palette. Using piping bags or simply a spoon, we decorate the cookies with stars, stripes, polka dots, and snowflakes.
It’s messy, chaotic, and oh-so-fun. My family and I laugh, tease, and marvel at each other’s creations. Some cookies turn out like mini masterpieces, while others are gloriously imperfect. Every cookie tells a story.
Tips for the Perfect Rolled Sugar Cookies
- Even Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or two evenly stacked rulers to ensure the dough is rolled out evenly. This helps the cookies bake uniformly.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies. The edges should be just lightly golden—overbaking will make them crispy instead of soft.
- Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.
- Get Creative: Don’t limit yourself to traditional holiday shapes. Hearts, stars, and even simple circles can become festive with the right decorations.
A Cookie for Every Occasion
These cookies aren’t just for Christmas. Over the years, they’ve become my go-to recipe for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and even baby showers. By switching up the shapes and colors, this recipe transforms into a celebration for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Rolled Sugar Cookies, it feels like a little piece of my past and present comes together. The process is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories, sharing love, and embracing the joy of the season. Whether I’m baking with my kids, gifting a batch to neighbors, or enjoying a cookie with a cup of cocoa, these treats hold a special place in my heart.
This holiday season, I encourage you to gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and make a batch of these delicious cookies. Let the laughter flow, the icing drip, and the memories form. Because in the end, it’s not just about the cookies—it’s about the magic you create along the way.