Abbey'S Christmas Sugar Cookies
Festive and buttery sugar cookies perfect for Christmas celebrations, featuring classic shapes and a sweet vanilla flavor that appeals to all ages during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and soft shortening together until well blended.
- Beat eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, double-acting baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with milk.
- Roll out the dough about 1/4-inch thick on a well-floured surface.
- Refrigerate the dough for 2 to 3 hours for better handling.
- Optional: add food coloring to the dough, then cut into shapes like Christmas trees, stars, wreaths, or other festive shapes using well-floured cutters.
- Place the cut-out cookies on greased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer dough, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. To prevent sticking, make sure your work surface is generously floured when rolling out the dough. Chilling the dough not only helps with handling but also enhances the flavor. For an extra festive touch, try adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a cozy treat. They make a perfect addition to holiday cookie trays alongside other favorites like Vanilla Ginger Cookies. Consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch, and they can also be packaged as gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. If desired, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Abbey'S Christmas Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1101 calories, with 27g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture may vary. Make sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the structure of gluten. For a healthier option, whole wheat flour can be used, though it may result in a denser cookie.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it can alter the texture of the cookies. Chilling the dough for a longer time can also help firm it up.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
To add color, mix in food coloring to the dough before rolling it out. You can also divide the dough into portions and dye each one a different color for a fun, festive effect. Alternatively, after baking, decorate the cooled cookies with colored icing or edible glitter for an extra pop.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).