Name: No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cream of tartar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup shortening, such as Crisco; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; pinch of salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp almond extract; 3 to 4 tbsp heavy cream

Imagine diving into sweet, pillowy-soft cookies that practically melt in your mouth, all without the hassle of rolling or chilling dough. That’s why I absolutely adore this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe. It’s deceptively simple, irresistibly buttery, and hands-down my favorite way to make sugar cookies with consistently fabulous results. The best part? You’re just over half an hour away from enjoying a batch of classic cookies that look as good as they taste!

No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe is that you only need kitchen staples to whip up a treat that feels truly special. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in creating a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and holds its shape perfectly for decorating or stacking.

All purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cookies a lovely, tender crumb.
Baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft, satisfying bite.
Cream of tartar: Adds signature tang and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
Powdered sugar: Lends an ultra-smooth texture and delicate crumb to the cookies.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives a hint of crunch when rolled on top.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds irresistible richness and gorgeous flavor.
Shortening (like Crisco): Keeps cookies ultra-soft and prevents spreading, so they keep their chubby, bakery-style shape.
Eggs: Help the cookies bind together and stay satisfyingly tender.
Vanilla extract: Delivers that classic sugar cookie aroma we all love.
For the frosting — Unsalted butter, softened: The base for a creamy, luscious finish.
For the frosting — Powdered sugar: Ensures a smooth, sweet frosting that spreads like a dream.
For the frosting — Salt: Just a pinch to cut through the sweetness.
For the frosting — Vanilla and almond extracts: Make the frosting extra flavorful and aromatic.
For the frosting — Heavy cream: Gives the frosting a perfect, spreadable texture.

How to Make No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is key for even baking and ensures the cookies release easily — no sticking, no fuss!

Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures your leaveners and salt are evenly distributed, which means perfectly consistent cookies every time.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Fats

In a separate mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup softened butter, and 1 cup shortening. Mixing until light and fluffy means you’ll get those melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a tender crumb. Take a moment to scrape down the bowl so everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything comes together smoothly. Don’t rush this step—fully incorporated eggs help give the cookies their signature soft texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix on low speed or by hand once the flour goes in. The dough is thick but supple—perfect for shaping.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Scoop dough into balls about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons each. Roll these in granulated sugar, then place them on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dough ball with a flat-bottomed glass dipped in sugar until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to space them at least 2 inches apart for even baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should be set in the center but not brown—watch carefully, as overbaking spoils their irresistible texture. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat 1 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing for three minutes until creamy. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream until the frosting is just spreadable and luxuriously smooth.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe on the frosting, then sprinkle with your favorite festive toppings if you like. Let the frosting set, and then it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe is its perfect blank canvas for toppings. Go wild with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a light dusting of sanding sugar. For a seasonal touch, try crushed peppermint, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of melted chocolate—whatever fits your mood or occasion.

Side Dishes

These cookies are irresistible on their own, but they play wonderfully with others. Serve them on a dessert tray with fresh berries, a bowl of fruit salad, or even alongside small scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an impromptu cookie sandwich. Pair them with coffee, tea, or chilled milk for an old-fashioned treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your sugar cookies in a clear cookie jar tied with ribbon for a charming gift, or arrange them in concentric circles on a festive platter for a highlight at a bake sale or party. For something different, use a piping bag to add colorful designs or initials, making each cookie unique and personalized—perfect for birthdays or holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store beautifully. Simply keep your frosted or unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need them to last a little longer, refrigerating is just fine too.

Freezing

One of the best parts about this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe is how well it freezes. Once baked (and even frosted, if you separate layers with parchment), place the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and they’ll taste freshly baked!

Reheating

If you want to revive that just-baked softness, pop the cookies (without frosting) in a warm oven for a minute or two—don’t overdo it! Frosted cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature after thawing so the icing stays smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter or shortening?

You can, but for the richest flavor and best texture in this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe, real butter and traditional shortening really make a difference. Margarine may make the cookies spread more or turn out a bit softer.

Do I have to use both vanilla and almond extract in the frosting?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a more classic vanilla flavor, you can absolutely use just vanilla. The almond adds a subtle bakery sweetness, but the frosting is delicious either way.

What’s the best way to ensure the cookies don’t overbake?

Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. The cookies won’t brown on top when they’re done—look for set centers and slightly firm edges. Overbaking will make them dry, so it’s better to pull them out a little early if you’re unsure.

Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?

Yes, although the magic of this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe is that it doesn’t require any chill time! If you do make the dough ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two days; let it soften a bit before scooping and shaping.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free flour?

While I haven’t personally tried it, an all-purpose gluten-free blend should work well. Just double-check your blend contains xanthan gum or similar binders to keep your cookies tender and avoid crumbling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the kind of cookies that bring instant happiness to any table, you really have to give this No Roll Sugar Cookie Recipe a try. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and classic comfort—simple enough for a cozy weekday treat, yet special enough to share with friends and family on the happiest occasions. Give it a whirl, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite sugar cookie!