Emma Doherty'S Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for any occasion and easily customizable for decorations and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the flour, sugar, shortening, salt, and baking powder.
- Add eggs and half and half or milk if the dough is too dry.
- Add vanilla to the mixture.
- Blend dry ingredients, eggs, and vanilla together until well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with butter. Adjust the amount of half and half or milk based on the humidity; a drier day may require more liquid. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling. For added flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be dressed up with a simple glaze or frosting for special occasions. Serve them with a glass of milk or alongside a warm slice of Heavenly Pumpkin Pie for a cozy dessert experience. They also pair well with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emma Doherty'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 703 calories, with 10g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1217mg per serving (53% 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter or margarine for shortening. Keep in mind that using butter will add a richer flavor and may slightly change the texture of the cookies. If using margarine, choose one with a high fat content for the best results.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make your sugar cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top before baking. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and decorate them with icing after they cool. For the holidays, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
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).