Great Sugar Cookies
Sweet and buttery sugar cookies with classic flavor, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday treats. Customizable with raisins for a delightful surprise inside.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix well the shortening, margarine, sugar, eggs, and lemon extract.
- Blend the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut out cookies with a 3-inch cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place 1 or 2 raisins in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, consider using all margarine instead of shortening. You can also substitute the lemon extract with vanilla extract if preferred. To prevent sticking, dust your rolling surface with flour generously. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving alongside Elsie'S Pancake Syrup for a sweet dip. They make excellent treats for holiday gatherings or as a fun baking activity with kids.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. 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 Great Sugar Cookies contains roughly 94 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 and margarine?
Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening and margarine. However, the texture may be slightly different, as butter tends to make cookies a bit crisper. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to maintain the right consistency.
What can I add to the cookies for extra flavor?
You can add a variety of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries for a twist. For a more seasonal flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking to ensure a 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).