Shirley'S Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla and a crisp exterior, perfect for holidays, parties, or as a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and Crisco together until smooth.
- Add sugar, confectioners sugar, and eggs; mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, soda, salt, cream of tartar; mix thoroughly.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls.
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Pour sugar into one glass pan and spray the bottom of another with Pam cooking spray.
- Dip the dough balls into the sugar, then mash them flat on the cookie sheet.
- Repeat the dipping and mashing process twice for each cookie.
- Bake at 325°F until the outside edges are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. If you don't have Crisco, using an equal amount of unsalted butter is a suitable substitute. Ensure that the dough is chilled thoroughly; this helps prevent spreading during baking. Experiment with different types of sugar for varying sweetness levels, like brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be crumbled over yogurt for a sweet breakfast option. For festive occasions, decorate with colorful icing or sprinkles to elevate their presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, restoring their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shirley'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 272 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value).
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 margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture may differ slightly. For best results, choose a stick margarine rather than a spreadable tub, as it has a similar water content to butter.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are ready when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers may still appear soft. They will firm up as they cool. It's essential to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls individually and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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).