N.D. Sugar Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sweet and buttery sugar cookies with a hint of lemon and vanilla, perfect for any occasion. Their crisp edges and tender centers make them a classic treat suitable for all ages, especially when dipped in sugar and flattened with a fork for a charming, nostalgic presentation.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup margarine
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cream together all moist ingredients: powdered sugar, granulated sugar, margarine, eggs, oil, lemon extract, and vanilla.
  2. Sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, then add to the moist ingredients and mix well.
  3. Shape the dough into small balls.
  4. Dip each ball in sugar, then flatten with a fork.
  5. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until very light brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the lemon and vanilla. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender. For extra decoration, sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a slice of Cowboy'S Delight(Pineapple Dessert) for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of N.D. Sugar Cookies contains roughly 332 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).

332 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 47.8g 17% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 11.2g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 98.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 140mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 10.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.7mcg
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Calcium 19.4mg 1% DV
Iron 2mg 11% 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 butter instead of margarine?

Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in equal amounts. This will give your cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Just make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Cookies spreading too much can be caused by using too warm ingredients or not chilling the dough. Ensure your margarine is softened but not melted. If the dough seems too soft, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.

What can I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough seems dry and crumbly, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Make sure to mix gently to avoid overworking the dough and turning the cookies tough.

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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