Have Fun Sugar Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Colorful and fun sugar cookies perfect for kids' parties or baking with family. The dough is easy to customize with different food colors and toppings like sprinkles or dried fruit, making each cookie unique. These cookies are sweet, slightly chewy, and bring joyful moments to any baking occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups sugar
  • kids for helpers

Instructions

  1. Mix baking soda with sour milk, then add to the other ingredients.
  2. Divide the dough into four pieces.
  3. Add a couple of drops of different food colors into each dough ball.
  4. Shape or flatten the dough as desired and top with sprinkles, candy pieces, or dried fruit.
  5. Have fun with the kids during the process.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, consider adding an extra egg yolk or a bit of vanilla extract. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a fun twist, try adding mini chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. When mixing colors, encourage kids to experiment with blending to create new shades.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with festive icing or sprinkles, making them a great treat for parties. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or hot chocolate. For a complete dessert table, consider serving them alongside Miniature Pumpkin Cakes or Butter Twist Cookies for variety.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, which helps restore their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Have Fun Sugar Cookies contains roughly 975 calories, with 12g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

975 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 76.4g 98% DV
Carbs 64.9g 24% DV
Fiber 3.5g 12% DV
Sugar 3.4g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 987.7mg 43% DV
Potassium 707.3mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 116mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 21.9mg 24% DV
Calcium 275.3mg 21% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Keep in mind that butter has a lower melting point, which may affect the cookie shape.

What can I use instead of sour milk?

If you don't have sour milk, mix one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar acidity needed for the recipe.

How can I make these cookies festive for holidays?

To make these cookies festive, consider using seasonal food colors and themed sprinkles. You can also shape them into holiday figures using cookie cutters. Decorating with colored icing can add even more festive flair.

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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