Diploma Sugar Cookie Roll-Ups are the perfect graduation dessert—fun, festive, and easy to make! These golden sugar cookies are rolled up and tied with a colorful fruit leather or fondant ribbon to look just like diplomas. They’re a sweet way to celebrate your grad’s big achievement and are sure to be a hit at any party.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Fruit leather or thin strips of fondant (for tying “diplomas”)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Add milk and mix until dough comes together.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles approximately 2 x 4 inches.
- Shape and Bake: Gently roll each rectangle into a loose cylinder (like a diploma). Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, tie a strip of fruit leather or fondant around the center of each cookie to resemble a diploma ribbon. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips & FAQ
- Can I make these ahead? Yes! Bake and store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add the ribbons just before serving.
- Can I freeze them? The baked cookies (without ribbons) freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Where can I find fruit leather? Fruit leather is available at most grocery stores or online. Find fruit leather on Amazon.
Looking for more graduation treats? Try our Chocolate Graduation Cap Cupcakes or Berry Trifle Parfaits!
