Great-Grandma Devries' Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies with a rich vanilla flavor and crunchy nutty texture, perfect for holidays or everyday treats that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, shortening, and salt together.
- Mix in the well-beaten eggs, soda dissolved in hot water, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, try chilling the dough for about an hour before rolling it out. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Adding a touch of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor, making these cookies even more delightful. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be decorated with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They pair beautifully with Strawberry Yogurt Layer Cake for a delightful dessert spread at gatherings. Consider serving them at holiday parties or as a sweet treat for kids’ lunches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper in the container. If you want to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great-Grandma Devries' Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1665 calories, with 24g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1871mg per serving (81% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
You can experiment with using whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser cookie. If you want to maintain the original texture, stick to all-purpose flour. For gluten-free options, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it has a binding agent included.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure not to add too much flour, as it can toughen the cookies. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help firm it up for easier rolling.
How can I make these cookies more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of these cookies, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile. Experimenting with different types of nuts can also add a unique twist to the classic recipe.
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).