Quick Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

These classic Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies offer a tender, lightly sweet treat with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are simple to make and fun to customize with colorful sugars or decorations. Ideal for bakers of all levels seeking a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing cookie.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. margarine
  • 3/4 c. oil
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 1 c. white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Cream together margarine, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drop teaspoon-sized portions of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  3. Dip the bottom of a glass in sugar and press onto each dough portion to flatten.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes, cookies do not brown.
  5. Sprinkle with colored sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your cookies are perfectly soft, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the flour. If you prefer a slightly healthier option, consider substituting half of the margarine with applesauce. For added flavor, you can incorporate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. If you want a more festive touch, try using colored sugar or sprinkles before baking, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy treat. Consider serving them alongside a slice of Hearty Green Pea Soup for a fun twist on mealtime. For a festive occasion, arrange them on a platter with other desserts, like Grandma's Raisin Crunchies, for a charming dessert table.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, consider placing a slice of bread in the container, as it helps maintain moisture. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies contains roughly 478 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

478 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 42.9g 55% DV
Carbs 19.8g 7% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 10.9g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 579.2mg 25% DV
Potassium 120.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 33.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
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 in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly. Butter will provide a richer flavor, but you might need to adjust the amount slightly since butter has a lower water content than margarine.

What can I do to make the cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your cookies, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and taste. Experimenting with different extracts can yield delightful variations.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, be careful not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set, even if they don't appear fully cooked in the center. Additionally, incorporating a bit more oil or using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour can help create a softer 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).

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