Joyce'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 60 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Joyce's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a hint of vanilla, perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking, appealing to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup soft shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted plain flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to make it easier to cut out the cookies.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  5. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  6. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Allow cookies to cool before decorating or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer cookie, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. Make sure to sift the flour before measuring to ensure accurate amounts. If you want to add some spice, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon can elevate the taste. Also, refrigerating the dough helps maintain its shape.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles, making them great for holidays or special occasions. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Gail'S Potato Wedges for a unique snack platter. You can also use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Joyce'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 195 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

195 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 33g 12% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 413.4mg 18% DV
Potassium 228.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 90.3mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 2.6mg 3% DV
Calcium 96mg 7% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 whole wheat flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but the texture will be denser. Start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a better balance while still retaining some health benefits.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top before baking. You could also use themed cookie cutters for different occasions, like hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for Christmas.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to roll out, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and on the dough itself. You can also chill the dough for a bit longer to make it easier to handle. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can change the cookie's 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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →