Grandma Adams' Sugar Cookies
Delightful sugar cookies with a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime sweet treat craving. Easy to customize with cutters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and soda.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the shortening mixture.
- Add sour cream last and mix until smooth.
- Chill the dough overnight in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake at 350°F until cookies are just lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you want a lighter texture, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. For added flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can complement the vanilla nicely. Remember to chill the dough overnight, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with Mary Adams' No Cook Ice Cream for a sweet treat. Serve them at parties or gatherings, and consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. They make a perfect snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Adams' Sugar Cookies contains roughly 395 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 40g fat.
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. This will give the cookies a different flavor and texture, making them slightly crisper. Just keep in mind that butter will add a rich taste, while margarine may alter the consistency slightly.
What can I do if my dough feels too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking while shaping the cookies.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
To make these sugar cookies more festive, consider adding food coloring to the dough or using decorative cookie cutters. You can also frost them with royal icing or sprinkle them with colored sugar for a cheerful touch that’s perfect for holidays.
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).