On the hunt for the perfect cut-out cookies? This Rolled Butter Cookies recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully — perfect for decorating. With simple ingredients and a quick bake time of under 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time!
Want to make more of these tasty treats? My recipes for Banana Bread Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, and Cinnabon Cookies are easy and fun to make!
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What are Rolled Butter Cookies?
Rolled Butter Cookies are soft, buttery cookies made by rolling out the dough and cutting it into fun shapes, or using a cookie press for easy designs. They’re not a Filipino recipe, but loved in many parts of the world. One unique ingredient is pure vanilla extract, which adds a deep, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the butter.
These cookies are great for decorating with frosting, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate. They hold their shape well and are perfect for holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion that calls for sweet, buttery cut-outs.
History of Rolled Butter Cookies
Rolled Butter Cookies have been around for a long time and are believed to have started in Europe, especially in countries like Germany or Austria. Bakers created them to make shaped cookies for celebrations and family gatherings.
What started as a classic original recipe using simple ingredients became a go-to cookie for holidays. Now, you can find these cookies in homes all over the world, especially during baking season.
Substitutions
- All-purpose flour – Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar – Substitute with coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor, but note it will darken the cookies.
- Butter – Use vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Vanilla extract – Swap with almond extract or lemon extract for a flavor twist.
- Eggs – Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
Recipe Variations
- Holiday sugar cookies – Add festive sprinkles or royal icing for themed celebrations.
- Lemon butter cookies – Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness.
- Chocolate-dipped butter cookies – Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and chill until set.
- Spiced sugar cookies – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
Storage
- These ingredients stand up well to freezing for up to 2 months.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking in batches.
- Let cookies cool fully on a wire rack before storing to maintain crisp edges and soft centers.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cookie pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
After the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed in, add all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
The final sugar cookie dough should look like this.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours, or best overnight.
Roll dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
Cut into circles or desired shapes with cookie cutters or a cookie press.
These looked so pretty and perfect, even on the inside!
Hint: Melt the butter completely so that it will incorporate well with the cookie dough.
⭐ Top Tip
Make sure to sift the powdered sugar before mixing it into your dough - this step is super important! If you skip it, the sugar tends to clump together, which can lead to uneven mixing and lumpy cookie dough.
FAQ
More Recipes
Here are more delicious cookies that you should try:
Rolled Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Butter softened
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add softened butter and sugar. Mix with a handheld mixer until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Add all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight for best results.
Cut and Bake:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Let cool before decorating or serving.
Watch The Recipe Video!
Storytelling Time!
When I was making these cookies, I was excited to see the outcome. I've seen so many of my friends make these cookies, and they look amazing!
So when I made these, I was so happy that it came out the way I had planned, except I got a little distracted and lost track of time and let it sit in the oven too long, but it still turned out great!
Glendale says
I love how you come up with amazing recipes! Make some more!
Lainey says
Hello Glendale! Thank you for always swinging by!
Sweet says
Cookies! Yummy! I love these so much