Powder Sugar Cookies

Prep: 70 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Delightful powdered sugar cookies with a buttery, sweet flavor and crisp texture, perfect for holiday treats or everyday snacking, appealing to those who love classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, and well-beaten egg.
  2. Add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; mix well.
  3. Chill the dough for 1 hour.
  4. Put the chilled dough into a cookie press and press cookies onto a cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes or until light brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to cream the butter and powdered sugar thoroughly until fluffy. You can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you don't have cream of tartar, using an equal amount of lemon juice can work in a pinch. Remember to chill the dough well; this helps the cookies maintain their shape when baked.

Serving Suggestions

These powdered sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving. They make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie platters, especially alongside other American recipes like the Kansas City Fruitcake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them. If you prefer warm cookies, briefly reheat them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Powder Sugar Cookies contains roughly 831 calories, with 12g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

831 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.2g 24% DV
Total Fat 11.1g 14% DV
Carbs 137.8g 50% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 19.8g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1136.7mg 49% DV
Potassium 836.1mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 180.2mg 60% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 95.4mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Calcium 241.2mg 19% DV
Iron 4.5mg 25% DV
Diet fit 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 sugar instead of powdered sugar?

While powdered sugar is ideal for achieving the right texture, you can substitute with granulated sugar in a pinch. Just be aware that it may alter the cookie's final texture slightly, making them less tender and fluffy.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to handle, try chilling it for a longer period. Alternatively, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the cookies' tenderness.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe as usual.

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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