Elizabeth'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 180 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Elizabeth's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holidays, parties, or delightful everyday snacking.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • sprinkles

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, measure all ingredients except sprinkles.
  2. Mix at medium speed and beat until well combined.
  3. Scrape the bowl occasionally.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it.
  5. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
  6. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  7. Lightly grease cookie sheets.
  8. Roll 1/2 to 1/3 of the dough at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated.
  9. Roll the dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
  10. Re-roll trimmings and cut more shapes.
  11. Place cookies 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  12. Sprinkle with decorations.
  13. Bake for 8 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature before mixing. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute an equal amount of unsalted butter. To add a twist, consider incorporating lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. For added fun, serve them at parties with a selection of colorful sprinkles or icing. They make a perfect treat alongside Mama Pick'S 1-2-3-4 Cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Elizabeth'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 844 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

844 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 41g 53% DV
Carbs 67.9g 25% DV
Fiber 8.8g 31% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1000mg 43% DV
Potassium 643.9mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 8.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.3mcg
Vitamin C 71mg 79% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 334.8mg 26% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it will alter the texture and flavor. Start with a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour to maintain the cookie's lightness while adding some whole grain goodness.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. You can also sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and the rolling pin to help manage the stickiness during shaping.

How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?

To make your sugar cookies more festive, try using seasonal cookie cutters and decorating with colored icing or themed sprinkles. You can even package them as gifts, which is a wonderful way to share delicious homemade treats with friends and family.

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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