Grandma Emma'S Sugar Cookies(Freda'S Grandmother)

Prep: 120 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 150 Cuisine: American

Grandma Emma's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a hint of orange and vanilla, perfect for holidays, parties, or as a delightful homemade gift.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 13 teaspoons whole milk
  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 4 eggs
  • 6 teaspoons baking powder
  • 10 cups flour
  • grated orange peel

Instructions

  1. Blend shortening, sugar, and eggs together in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add vanilla extract and milk to the mixture and combine well.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Roll out the chilled dough and cut into desired shapes.
  8. Place the cutouts on a greased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake at 425°F for approximately 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool before decorating or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the Crisco with coconut oil for a unique taste. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. Don't skip chilling the dough, as it helps prevent spreading during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a simple icing or dusting of powdered sugar. Consider serving them alongside a glass of cold milk or pairing them with a fruit platter for a refreshing contrast. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely for friends and family.

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, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma Emma'S Sugar Cookies(Freda'S Grandmother) contains roughly 5587 calories, with 9g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 503g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 849mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

5587 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 502.8g 100% DV
Carbs 117.3g 43% DV
Fiber 10.4g 37% DV
Sugar 33.9g 68% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 848.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 791.5mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 104.6mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 359.9mg 28% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 Crisco?

Yes, you can use butter or a plant-based margarine instead of Crisco. This will give the cookies a different texture and flavor but will still yield delicious results. Keep in mind that using butter may result in a slightly softer cookie.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can add colored sprinkles or edible glitter before baking for a fun touch. Additionally, consider using cookie cutters in holiday shapes to create themed cookies. Decorating with royal icing or fondant can also add a festive flair.

What can I do with leftover dough?

Leftover dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking. This makes it convenient to enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

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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