Aunt Mimi'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 9 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla or lemon, perfect for any occasion and enjoyed by all ages. Crispy edges with a soft center.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Flatten each cookie with a glass dipped in sugar.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie shape. For added texture, you can mix in chocolate chips or nuts. These cookies are great for decorating, especially around holidays.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for serving with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. Consider pairing them with a fruit-flavored sorbet for a refreshing dessert. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie platters alongside treats like Brandied Cherry Coffeecake. For a fun twist, try decorating them with colored icing and sprinkles for special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Mimi'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 66 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

66 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 12.4g 5% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 137.7mg 6% DV
Potassium 53.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 12.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Calcium 13.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 all butter instead of margarine and shortening?

Yes, you can substitute all the margarine with butter for a richer flavor. However, this may slightly alter the texture, making them a bit firmer. Keep an eye on the baking time as well, as butter tends to melt faster.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added, as this can develop gluten. Additionally, slightly underbake them, pulling them from the oven when they are just golden around the edges. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly.

Is it necessary to use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the cookies' structure and adds a slight tanginess. If you don't have it, you can leave it out, but the cookies may turn out a bit flatter. Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute if you want to maintain some acidity.

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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