Mom'S Plain Sugar Cookies
Classic sugar cookies with a tender crumb and lightly sweet flavor, perfect for all ages and occasions. Simple ingredients and baking process make them a family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and shortening together.
- Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.
- Add milk alternately with sifted flour combined with salt and baking powder.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake in a 400°F oven just until edges start to brown slightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. This will give your cookies a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help create a thicker cookie. For an added twist, try mixing in some lemon zest or almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a glass of milk or tea for a cozy snack. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with royal icing or sprinkles. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a dessert platter alongside treats like Betty Crocker'S Banana-Sour Cream Bars or Cranberry Top Sweets.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Plain Sugar Cookies contains roughly 121 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, though it may impart a slight coconut taste.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve a softer cookie, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra egg yolk to the dough. You can also ensure that you don't overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just be cautious not to overload the dough, as this can affect the baking time and 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).