Grandma Christine'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Grandma Christine's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla or nutmeg, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday enjoyment for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Instructions

  1. Cream together the sugar and shortening until smooth.
  2. Add sour cream and beaten eggs to the mixture and blend well.
  3. Mix in 1 cup of flour along with salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  4. Gradually add 5 or 6 more cups of flour until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
  5. Optionally, add vanilla or nutmeg to enhance flavor.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
  7. Cut out cookies using a cutter and place on a baking sheet.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you want a lighter texture, experiment with 1 cup of cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt can serve as a great substitute. Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor, similar to what you'd find in Sour Cream Jumbles Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or tea for a delightful treat. For a more festive touch, frost them with your favorite icing or enjoy them plain. They also pair beautifully with Sammy'S Cookies for a mixed platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Christine'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 840 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1390mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).

840 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.2g 18% DV
Total Fat 54g 69% DV
Carbs 84.8g 31% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1390.2mg 60% DV
Potassium 629.3mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 165.6mg 55% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 125.4mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 22mg 24% DV
Calcium 566.1mg 44% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just remember to soften the butter before creaming it with the sugar for the best results.

How can I make the dough easier to roll out?

If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to handle. Additionally, dust your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.

What can I add for a flavor twist?

You can add citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough for a fresh flavor. Alternatively, mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture. Just be mindful of the total flour amount if you add extra ingredients.

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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