Rich Sugar Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Rich sugar cookies with buttery, vanilla flavor and a tender texture, perfect for holidays or special occasions, easily customizable with cookie cutters for festive shapes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar, butter, shortening, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
  2. Blend together dry ingredients and stir with creamed mixture a little at a time.
  3. Chill the dough for several hours.
  4. If using a cookie press, do not chill and substitute shortening for butter.
  5. Roll out small portions to 1/8-inch thickness.
  6. Cut with floured cookie cutters.
  7. If using pre-sifted flour, omit baking powder and salt. Sprinkle with sugar.
  8. Bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using all butter instead of shortening, but be aware it may affect the texture slightly. If you're short on time, skip chilling the dough and use a cookie press for quicker shapes. For a fun twist, add lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for added flavor. Remember to adjust baking time if your cookies are thicker.

Serving Suggestions

These rich sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They can also be decorated with icing for special occasions, making them a versatile choice for any event.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness and softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rich Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1389 calories, with 17g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1805mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

1389 kcal 69% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.6g 33% DV
Total Fat 52.8g 68% DV
Carbs 202.1g 73% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 3.8g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1804.7mg 78% DV
Potassium 1404.4mg 30% DV
Cholesterol 546.5mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 132.3mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 33.5mg 37% DV
Calcium 769mg 59% DV
Iron 5.3mg 29% DV
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 flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed, but the texture may vary. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and follow the package instructions for best results.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for another 30 minutes. You can also add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, slightly underbake them, taking them out when the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Additionally, adding a bit more butter can help enhance their softness.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →