Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies

Name: Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon rose water; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting; Edible rose petals (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore these Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies! Recently, I decided to take my classic sugar cookie recipe to a new level by incorporating a delicate hint of rose flavor. The result was nothing short of enchanting—light, buttery cookies with a floral sweetness that instantly transports me to a blooming garden. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for myself, these cookies never fail to impress with their unique taste and elegance. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a delightful staple in your baking repertoire.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:46:15.995Z

Making these Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies was an adventure in baking. I stumbled upon a bottle of rose water and thought it would add a lovely floral twist to my favorite sugar cookie recipe. I was amazed at how just a few drops transformed the cookies, making them fragrant and whimsical. The key is to find high-quality rose water, as it greatly affects the flavor.

As I decorated them with a light dusting of powdered sugar, I couldn't help but feel inspired. I brought a batch to a garden party, and everyone raved about them! The cookies bring a touch of floral elegance to any occasion, and I can’t wait to experiment with even more surprising flavors.

        Why You Will Love These Cookies
        Delicate rose aroma paired with buttery goodness
Perfect balance of sweetness and floral notes
Great for gifting or special occasions

      

Mastering the Rose Flavor

The key to achieving the perfect rose-infused flavor lies in the quality of your rose water. Opt for food-grade, organic rose water for a more authentic and aromatic experience. If you're unsure, try a small amount of the flavored water in your dough first; its potency can vary by brand. For those looking for a more intense flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped dried rose buds into the dough, but be cautious—too much can overshadow the other delicate flavors.

Balancing the sweetness is crucial when you're working with floral notes. While the granulated sugar adds the necessary sweetness, I recommend tasting the dough before baking to ensure it suits your preference. Keep in mind that the sweetness will often be diluted after baking, so a slightly more pronounced flavor in the raw dough is desirable. Moreover, consider pairing these cookies with a light tea that complements the rose—like chamomile or green tea—for an elevated experience.

Perfecting the Cookie Texture

For the best results, pay close attention during the creaming stage. Creaming the butter and sugar should take about 3-5 minutes using a stand mixer on medium speed. You want a texture that's light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air—crucial for keeping the cookies from turning dense. If you're using a handheld mixer, it may take a little longer, but continue until the mixture is homogenous and pale in color.

When combining ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies as gluten builds up. If you notice the dough is a bit too soft to scoop easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This not only firms up the dough for easier handling but also intensifies the flavors as they meld together during the resting period.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon rose water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnishing

Powdered sugar for dusting
Edible rose petals (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mix, giving your cookies a nice texture.

Add Egg and Flavorings

Beat the egg into the butter mixture, then add the rose water and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can change the texture of the cookies.

Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Dust

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with edible rose petals if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough for a delightful crunch.

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Rose-Infused Sugar Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delicious for up to one week. If you anticipate not finishing them within that time frame, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without a significant loss in flavor or texture.

When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or if you're short on time, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be cautious not to overheat, as this can change their delightful texture.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar before serving adds not just a sweet touch, but also enhances their visual appeal. For a more stunning presentation, consider using a stencil to create pretty patterns with the powdered sugar on top of the cookies. If you choose to use edible rose petals, they pair beautifully with the flavor profile and can evoke a sense of elegance that's perfect for tea parties or special gatherings.

These cookies can also be served alongside a flavored frosting, such as a lemon or lavender glaze, to elevate their taste. If you're feeling adventurous, sandwich two cookies together with a light cream cheese or buttercream filling infused with similar floral notes; this will create an entirely new dessert experience that your guests will ruminate on long after the last cookie is gone.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh roses instead of rose water?

It's not recommended to use fresh roses as they may not impart the same flavor as concentrated rose water and could be harmful if treated with pesticides.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for rose water?

You can try using orange blossom water or almond extract for a different flavor profile if you want to avoid rose water.