Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies

Name: Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons rose water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking these Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies, especially during the spring when the scent of fresh roses fills the air. The delicate floral notes combined with buttery cookie goodness create a uniquely refreshing treat that delights everyone who tries them. I enjoy experimenting with the infusion of flavors and find that a touch of rose water adds just the right amount of elegance. These cookies are not only beautiful, but they're also surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:01:11.603Z

When I first discovered the idea of infusing sugar cookies with rose essence, I was hesitant. However, after trying it, I was mesmerized by how well the flavors mesh. The rose water provides a subtle hint of floral in each bite, elevating the classic sugar cookie to a new level. I recommend using high-quality rose water for the best results, as it really makes a difference in flavor.

In my experience, the key to achieving the perfect texture is to chill the dough before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the cookies maintain their shape in the oven. I also love to decorate them with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Delicate floral flavor with a rich buttery base
Perfectly tender texture that melts in your mouth
Great for special occasions or afternoon tea

      

The Role of Rose Water

Rose water is the star ingredient in these cookies, offering a subtle yet delightful floral aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile. It’s important to use high-quality rose water; cheap varieties may have a synthetic taste that can affect your cookies. When measuring, stick to the 2 teaspoons specified in the recipe to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Too much rose water could make the cookies taste perfume-like rather than pleasantly floral.

In addition to its flavor contribution, rose water provides a unique characteristic to the cookie dough, enhancing its texture and moisture. This infusion allows the cookies to maintain a soft crumb while lending a delicate, enchanting aroma that becomes apparent as they bake. I find that letting the dough rest after mixing helps meld the flavors, so give it a try next time.

Perfecting Texture

Achieving the perfect tender texture in sugar cookies often comes down to the creaming process. Make sure to beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this typically takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The air incorporated during this stage is crucial for cookies that melt in your mouth. If your butter is too soft or over-creamed, the cookies may spread too much, resulting in a flat cookie.

During the chilling stage, some bakers skip this essential step, but resting the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge allows the gluten to relax. This results in cookies that hold their shape better in the oven. If you're short on time, consider forming the dough into discs and chilling individually, which can speed up the process.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last up to one week at room temperature or a month in the freezer. If freezing, layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy or gift them, just dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances their visual appeal.

These cookies are versatile and can be a delightful addition to various serving contexts. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a timeless afternoon treat. Alternatively, they make exquisite edible gifts for special occasions. You can even package them in decorative tins, adding a personal touch with a note explaining their unique rose flavor!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create perfect Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies.

Ingredients

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons rose water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cookies.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Incorporate eggs and flavors

Add the egg, rose water, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.

Chill the dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Shape and bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and dust

Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy these delightful cookies with a lovely cup of tea!

Pro Tips

For added decoration, consider using edible flowers or creating a rose petal glaze to finish these cookies beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to adapt the recipe for dietary needs, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help mimic the structure of traditional flour. You can also replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, though keep in mind that the color and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.

For a lower-fat version, you could use unsweetened applesauce to replace part of the butter. Try using ½ cup of applesauce alongside ½ cup of butter for a lighter cookie without sacrificing too much flavor. This can lead to a more cake-like texture, which some may prefer for their tea-time treats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it may be due to overly soft butter or not chilling the dough adequately. Ensure your butter is softened but still firm when mixing, and always chill your dough for the recommended time. A good visual cue is that the cookie dough should be moldable without being sticky.

On the other hand, if your cookies turn out too dry, try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes. Baking times can vary depending on the oven and the size of the dough balls. Keep an eye on them; they should be just set and golden at the edges but still look slightly underbaked in the middle, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

Enhancing Flavor Variations

To enhance the flavor of these cookies even further, consider adding finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough. Their nutty taste pairs exceptionally well with the rose water, providing both texture and a complimentary flavor. You could incorporate about ½ cup of nuts, finely chopped, to the dough for added crunch and depth.

Another variation to consider is incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange. Adding the zest of one small citrus fruit can provide a refreshing contrast to the floral notes, making each bite a bit more complex. This is an excellent option if you wish to switch things up while maintaining the essence of the rose-infused cookies!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rose petals in the cookies?

It's best to use culinary-grade rose petals and ensure they are pesticide-free. However, they can alter the cookie structure, so a little goes a long way!

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I substitute for rose water?

You can use orange blossom water or even almond extract, though the flavor will differ significantly.