Grandma Emily'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Grandma Emily's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla and a sweet powdered sugar finish, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday baking enjoyment.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 1/4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix powdered sugar, white sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and butter together until well combined.
  2. Add cream of tartar, vanilla, salt, baking soda, and flour to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to chill.
  4. Roll the dough into balls and flatten with a glass or cut into shapes.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar to 3/4 cup. Ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly before rolling to prevent spreading during baking. Using a glass to flatten the dough helps create uniform cookies. Experiment with adding chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sugar cookies with a glass of milk or alongside a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Old Fashioned Banana Pudding for a nostalgic dessert spread. Consider decorating with sprinkles or icing for festive occasions, making them a perfect addition to holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Emily'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 934 calories, with 14g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2167mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).

934 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.3g 29% DV
Total Fat 9.4g 12% DV
Carbs 163.6g 59% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 33.5g 67% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2166.5mg 94% DV
Potassium 843.8mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 170mg 57% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 202.5mg 16% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit 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 flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture may vary. For a lighter cookie, try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the consistency of the dough might change, so adjust the flour amount accordingly.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes. This can help firm it up for easier handling. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on your hands while shaping the cookies.

How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or icing on top after baking. You can also incorporate holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. For an extra touch, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and decorate with royal icing.

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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