Grandma'S Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Classic grandma's sugar cookies feature a tender, buttery texture with a sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and shortening together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs, sour milk, soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add flour until the dough is firm enough to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into cookies.
- Optional: sprinkle sugar on top of the cookies before baking.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you don't have sour milk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Chilling the dough for an hour before rolling can also help with shaping the cookies. Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but also pair well with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles. You can even serve them alongside a fruit salad mix for a refreshing contrast. They make a perfect addition to any dessert platter, especially during holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag once solid. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies contains roughly 220 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2243mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
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. Using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just remember that butter has a lower melting point, which may cause the cookies to spread more while baking.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to over-add, as too much flour can make the cookies tough. Additionally, you can lightly flour your rolling surface and the rolling pin to help with sticking.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make your cookies more festive, consider adding food coloring to the dough or using royal icing for decoration after baking. You can also incorporate holiday-themed cookie cutters for fun shapes. Sprinkling colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking adds a special touch, perfect for celebrations.
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).