So-Easy Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of almond flavor, perfect for any occasion, easy to prepare and ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup sugar, shortening, oil, milk, almond extract, and egg; mix well.
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup and level off.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Spread the dough evenly in an ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut into squares to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a different extract, vanilla or lemon can work well too. For a festive touch, add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking. Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid dry cookies; spoon it into the cup and level it off. These cookies can also be frosted for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with Oatmeal Fudge Bars for a sweet treat platter. For a fun presentation, consider cutting them into festive shapes and decorating with icing. They are perfect for parties, holidays, or as an everyday snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of So-Easy Sugar Cookies contains roughly 77 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 5g 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. This will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Just make sure to use unsalted butter to control the salt content, and let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown color around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on your oven. It's better to underbake slightly than overbake, as they will continue to firm up after cooling.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance these sugar cookies. Fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough before spreading it in the pan. This will create a deliciously sweet treat that chocolate lovers will enjoy.
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).