Sharon Bivins' Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a soft texture and delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday treats enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder in the order listed until well combined.
- Shape the dough into balls. (Dough is very soft.)
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 375°F until cookies just barely begin to darken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you want a slightly different flavor, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. If the dough is too soft to shape, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider decorating them with icing or sprinkles. They pair beautifully with *Earl Stones Sliced Sweet Potato Pie* for a comforting dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, warm them in a microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon Bivins' Sugar Cookies contains roughly 77 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Make sure to use unsalted butter and let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these sugar cookies more festive, try adding colored sprinkles to the dough before baking or icing them after they've cooled. You can also shape them into holiday-themed designs or use cookie cutters for special occasions.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands and the work surface while shaping the balls. Alternatively, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
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).