Basic Cookie Dough(Soft Sugar)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Soft sugar cookie dough with versatile add-ins, perfect for baking sweet treats suited for all occasions. Easy to customize with nuts, fruits, or chips.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sour milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • vanilla to taste
  • 4 1/2 to 5 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, shortening, sour milk, and eggs in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add flour, soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla; mix until well blended.
  3. Optional: fold in raisins, nuts, fruits, chips, coconut, or pineapple as desired.
  4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until lightly brown, about 7 to 9 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For softer cookies, use less flour or add an extra egg. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor. For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own or served with a glass of cold milk. For a special treat, pair them with Hot Peanut Butter Sauce for dipping. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside Aunt Nellie'S Bread Pudding or Fried Doughnuts - Glazed, perfect for gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basic Cookie Dough(Soft Sugar) contains roughly 32 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

32 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 3.8g 1% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 373.1mg 16% DV
Potassium 36.1mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 3.6mg 4% DV
Calcium 48mg 4% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly 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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. Just keep in mind that using butter will give the cookies a slightly different flavor and texture, making them a bit richer and potentially crispier.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly brown around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up after you take them out of the oven, so it's best to err on the side of underbaking slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe meets your dietary needs.

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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