Aunt Pauline'S "Brown Sugar Cookies"
Aunt Pauline's Brown Sugar Cookies are soft or crispy treats infused with warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or any time you crave a sweet, nostalgic cookie.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the brown sugar, shortening, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and buttermilk until well combined.
- Chill the dough for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Knead flour into the chilled dough until it reaches a workable consistency for rolling out.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness; thicker for soft cookies, thinner for crisp cookies.
- Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 10 minutes until golden around the edges.
- For sandwich cookies, spread preserves between two cookies after cooling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, roll the dough thicker, while a thinner roll yields crispier cookies. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. This recipe can also be adapted by adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture, making it a delightful variation on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These brown sugar cookies are perfect on their own or as a base for sandwich cookies filled with your favorite preserves. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat. They also make a charming addition to holiday cookie trays alongside other favorites like Flaky Pineapple Squares or Chocolate Sheet Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pauline'S "Brown Sugar Cookies" contains roughly 555 calories, with 5g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1147mg per serving (50% 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 granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can use granulated sugar, it will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like taste. If you must substitute, consider adding a bit of molasses to the granulated sugar to mimic the properties of brown sugar.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, gradually knead in more flour until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies tough. Chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
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).