Mae'S Sugar Cookies
Mae's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery treats with a sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for any occasion. Their crisp edges and soft centers make them a delightful choice for decorating and sharing with family and friends. These cookies are versatile, easy to customize, and sure to bring joy to cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla until well blended.
- Add egg and beat until fluffy.
- Stir in milk.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and blend into the creamed mixture.
- Divide the dough in half and chill for 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool cookies and decorate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, reduce the baking time slightly and let them cool on the sheet for a minute before transferring. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter for a richer flavor. Adding a bit of almond extract can enhance the vanilla taste. To make the dough easier to handle, keep it chilled while cutting out shapes.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun twist, try decorating them with colored icing for special occasions. They also make a great addition to cookie platters alongside treats like Pecan Slices or Marjorie Boyd's Pea Salad for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mae'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 117 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the cookies may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. To maintain texture, you might want to combine half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. Make sure your work surface is well-floured as well to prevent sticking.
How can I make these cookies festive for the holidays?
To make these cookies more festive, you can add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking. Alternatively, use themed cookie cutters for shapes like stars or Christmas trees, and decorate with icing after they cool for a fun touch.
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).