Sliced Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sliced sugar cookies with a crisp edge and tender center, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, suitable for all ages and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.
- Add about half of the flour to the shortening mixture, then add the sugar, whole egg, milk, egg yolk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Stir in the remaining flour until well mixed.
- Chill the dough if necessary, then roll out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or slice into strips.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks before decorating or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, consider using all butter instead of shortening, or a combination of both for a balance of flavor and texture. If you want to add a little zest, try incorporating lemon or orange zest into the dough. For colorful cookies, you can also add sprinkles or edible glitter before baking. If the dough is too sticky, chill it longer before rolling it out to ensure clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions
These sliced sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles and make a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fruit salad or with ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a fun twist, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwich-style.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sliced Sugar Cookies contains roughly 296 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% 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 a different type of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just note that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding food coloring to the dough or using seasonal cookie cutters. Decorating with royal icing, colored sprinkles, or edible glitter can also enhance their appearance for occasions like Christmas or birthdays.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, it may need a bit more moisture. Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together. Alternatively, make sure you are measuring your flour correctly, as too much flour can lead to a dry dough. Mixing thoroughly helps combine all ingredients evenly.
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).