Old-Fashioned Vanilla Sugar Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Old-Fashioned Vanilla Sugar Cookies are buttery, sweet treats with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence for all cookie lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sour milk

Instructions

  1. Beat shortening with vanilla in a large bowl.
  2. Gradually add sugar, creaming thoroughly.
  3. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add dry ingredients in fourths, alternating with milk in thirds, beating only until blended.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more tender cookie, consider using half butter and half shortening. You can substitute the sour milk with buttermilk or a mixture of regular milk and vinegar (1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar). If you're in a pinch for flour, whole wheat flour can also work, though it may alter the texture slightly. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.

Serving Suggestions

These vanilla sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and are perfect for sharing at gatherings. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside Adline'S Cream Of Tomato Soup for a unique flavor combination.

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 them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Vanilla Sugar Cookies contains roughly 796 calories, with 19g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

796 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.2g 38% DV
Total Fat 6.1g 8% DV
Carbs 169.6g 62% DV
Fiber 13.9g 50% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 807.2mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 11.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.4mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 91mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 187.9mg 14% DV
Iron 8.6mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, as butter tends to create a softer cookie. If you prefer a healthier option, coconut oil can also be used, but it may change the flavor profile.

What if I don't have sour milk?

If you don't have sour milk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give you a similar tangy flavor that works well in this recipe.

Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of flour slightly if you add a significant quantity of mix-ins to maintain the right consistency in the dough.

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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