Granny'S Chewy Sugar Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Chewy sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla or lemon flavoring, crispy edges, and a tender center. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or holiday celebrations, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or lemon flavoring
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla or lemon flavoring until well combined.
  2. Stir in the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
  4. Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
  5. Cut into 3-inch cookie shapes using a cookie cutter.
  6. Sprinkle the cookies with sugar.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For chewier cookies, ensure not to overbake them; they should be removed when they are just lightly golden around the edges. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter, but this may alter the texture slightly. Experiment with different flavorings, such as almond extract, to customize the taste.

Serving Suggestions

These chewy sugar cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For an extra treat, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with Cider Sauce. They make delightful gifts and are perfect for holiday cookie platters, complementing other American recipes.

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, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Granny'S Chewy Sugar Cookies contains roughly 140 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

140 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.9g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.7g 2% DV
Carbs 24.1g 9% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 232.1mg 10% DV
Potassium 168.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Calcium 104.1mg 8% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture to the cookies. However, for the best chewiness, consider sticking to all-purpose flour.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in a crunchier texture instead of chewy.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! You can fold in about a cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the dough before chilling. This will add flavor and variety to your sugar cookies while maintaining their chewy texture.

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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