Good Sugar Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and buttery sugar cookies with a tender crumb, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats. Their classic flavor and soft texture appeal to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 2 c. margarine or lard
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 4 to 6 c. flour
  • 1 c. sour milk
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, margarine or lard, eggs, salt, sour milk, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Refrigerate the dough overnight to improve texture and flavor.
  3. Flour the surface and roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
  4. Cut out cookies with cookie cutters or shapes.
  5. Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with butter. Make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out to prevent sticking. If you don't have sour milk, you can create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This recipe can also be adapted with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles, making them a favorite for holidays and special occasions. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Pumpkin Cheese Pie for a festive dessert table.

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 or container. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Good Sugar Cookies contains roughly 540 calories, with 10g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2493mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).

540 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.5g 19% DV
Total Fat 7.8g 10% DV
Carbs 113.4g 41% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2492.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 839.4mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 258mg 86% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 63mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 44mg 49% DV
Calcium 521.8mg 40% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit 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 a different type of fat instead of margarine or lard?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as substitutes for margarine or lard. Keep in mind that using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor, while coconut oil may add a subtle coconut taste.

What is the best way to roll out the dough?

To roll out the dough smoothly, dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough feels too sticky, you can refrigerate it for an additional 15-30 minutes before rolling.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

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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