Mom Rickett'S Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a tender crumb, perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends, suitable for holidays, parties, or casual treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the shortening, sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Cut into favorite cookie shapes using cookie cutters.
- Decorate the cookies as desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. You can also substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. If you like a hint of citrus, add the zest of one lemon or orange. To avoid sticking while rolling out the dough, sprinkle a little flour on your surface and rolling pin. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or enjoying plain with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Creamy Caramel Icing for an added layer of sweetness. Consider serving them alongside a fruit platter for a delightful contrast, or serve them at holiday gatherings and parties for a festive treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom Rickett'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 665 calories, with 9g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1064mg per serving (46% 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 margarine instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for shortening, but it may result in a slightly different texture. Margarine has more water content, which could make the cookies a bit softer. You might want to chill the dough longer to help maintain their shape during baking.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Additionally, chilling the dough for a longer period can help firm it up, making it easier to roll out and shape. Always ensure your work surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make your cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter before baking. You can also use seasonal cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holidays. After baking, decorate with royal icing or a simple glaze in festive colors to enhance their appearance.
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).