Sheila'S Old Fashion Sugar Cookies

Prep: 60 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: American

Sheila's Old Fashion Sugar Cookies are buttery, sweet treats with a delicate crumb, perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, offering classic flavor and satisfying crunch.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup oleo
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 well-beaten eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups plus 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Cream oleo, white sugar, and powdered sugar until well blended.
  2. Add well-beaten eggs, salt, vegetable oil, and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
  3. Add all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar; mix well.
  4. Refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour.
  5. Place teaspoonfuls of batter on a greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
  6. Use a glass with a flat bottom to flatten each ball of batter.
  7. Dip the glass in a bowl of sugar between each flattening.
  8. Bake at 350° to 400° until edges are golden brown, but do not overbake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider chilling the dough longer than an hour. If you want to reduce the fat, you can substitute half of the oleo with unsweetened applesauce. For a twist, add lemon zest or almond extract instead of vanilla. Ensure not to overbake; the cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, achieving the perfect chewy center.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Consider serving them alongside White Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a delightful mix on a dessert platter. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through, restoring their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sheila'S Old Fashion Sugar Cookies contains roughly 1773 calories, with 10g protein, 394g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

1773 kcal 89% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.5g 21% DV
Total Fat 5.2g 7% DV
Carbs 394.4g 100% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 296.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 676mg 29% DV
Potassium 692.6mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 155.7mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 48.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 156.8mg 12% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% 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 make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for freshly baked cookies anytime.

What can I substitute for oleo in this recipe?

You can substitute oleo with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine for a similar flavor and texture. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute, which will yield comparable results in the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers appear slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture, achieving that classic sugar cookie chewiness.

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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