Easy Sugar Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Enjoy soft, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for celebrations or casual snacking, appealing to all ages and sweet tooths.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use an equal amount of baking powder. Remember to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. This works well for making cookies similar to those in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving alongside Jamie'S Chocolate Mousse Pie or Holiday Dessert Pizza for a variety of textures and flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Sugar Cookies contains roughly 902 calories, with 22g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

902 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.6g 43% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 172.5g 63% DV
Fiber 8.4g 30% DV
Sugar 3.6g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 698.6mg 30% DV
Potassium 704.5mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 10.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25% DV
Calcium 93.2mg 7% DV
Iron 9.5mg 53% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 shortening?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for shortening, but it may alter the texture slightly. Margarine has more moisture, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the dough's consistency.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it's manageable. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help make it easier to work with.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges. If they look too pale, they likely need more time. Keep a close eye on them as they bake to avoid 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).

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