Grandma Clifford'S Sugar Cookies
Delightful sugar cookies with a hint of orange and nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats, appealing to all ages with their buttery, sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, powdered sugar, and shortening until well combined.
- Add eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, and grated orange rind; beat until fluffy.
- Gradually add 2 cups of flour, then incorporate buttermilk with baking soda, then the remaining 2 cups of flour.
- Chill the dough several hours or overnight.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut into 3-inch rounds and sprinkle with granulated sugar, then dot with a raisin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to cream the sugars and shortening thoroughly. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. Adjust the nutmeg to your taste; it can be potent. If you're in a hurry, chilling the dough for at least an hour can still yield great results.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Alberta's Dump Cake at gatherings. You can also decorate them with icing or sprinkles for special occasions. They make great treats for holiday cookie exchanges as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper and they can last up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Clifford'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1401 calories, with 28g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 margarine instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for shortening in this sugar cookie recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, resulting in a softer cookie. If using margarine, ensure it is at room temperature for easier blending.
What can I use instead of orange rind?
If you don't have orange rind, lemon zest is a great alternative that will add a similar citrusy brightness to the cookies. Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon of orange extract to infuse the cookies with orange flavor without the rind.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sugar sprinkles on top before baking. You can also use cookie cutters to create shapes for holidays or special occasions. Drizzling them with icing or adding festive decorations can also elevate their appearance.
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).