Aunt Kara'S Soft Sugar Cookies

Prep: 70 min Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a glass of milk.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sweet butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Beat butter, sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla in an electric mixer for 2 minutes or by hand until well blended.
  2. Sift together the salt, baking powder, and flour.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend well.
  4. Form the dough, which will be sticky, into a ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For softer cookies, ensure you don't overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, but be cautious not to add too much. For a twist, consider adding lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. If you'd like a seasonal flair, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which can enhance the flavor profile of these cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These soft sugar cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For an added treat, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to dessert platters, especially during holiday gatherings or celebrations, and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresher longer, you can also freeze them, placing layers of parchment paper between the cookies. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Kara'S Soft Sugar Cookies contains roughly 232 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2326mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).

232 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 44.4g 16% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2325.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 338.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 77.6mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 22.3mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 360.8mg 28% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly. For the best results, use a stick margarine that is labeled for baking, as it will have a similar fat content to butter.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your hands and work surface to make it easier to shape. Just be careful not to incorporate too much additional flour, as it can make the cookies tough.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To add a festive touch, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the cookies before baking. Additionally, consider incorporating seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin spice or peppermint extract, to give them a holiday twist. You can also use cookie cutters for fun shapes!

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).

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