Soft Sugar Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 60 Cuisine: American

Soft Sugar Cakes are delicate, sweet cookies with a tender crumb, perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. Their lightly sprinkled sugar topping adds a touch of crunch, making them a delightful treat for both casual snacking and special occasions. They appeal to those who enjoy classic, homemade baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

  1. Cream eggs, Crisco, and sugar together until well combined.
  2. Stir in buttermilk into the creamed mixture.
  3. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a cookie sheet.
  6. Sprinkle sugar on top of each cookie.
  7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, beat the eggs separately before adding them to the mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to sour it. For a unique flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. These soft sugar cakes can also be drizzled with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These soft sugar cakes make a delightful treat for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy experience. They are great on their own, but you can also pair them with fresh fruit or whipped cream for added indulgence. For a fun twist, try serving them with the Finger-Lickin' Snack Mix for a variety of textures and flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soft sugar cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature. They also freeze well; wrap each cake individually and store in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Sugar Cakes contains roughly 492 calories, with 9g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1474mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).

492 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 10% DV
Carbs 101.2g 37% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1474.3mg 64% DV
Potassium 930.4mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 260.8mg 87% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 74.8mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 535.9mg 41% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% 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 use a different type of fat instead of Crisco?

Yes, you can substitute Crisco with unsalted butter or margarine. Just ensure that the butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugar and eggs. This will give your cakes a richer flavor while maintaining a similar texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember to sift the flour before measuring to avoid adding too much. A slightly sticky dough is fine, as it contributes to the softness of the cakes once baked.

How can I make these cakes more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your soft sugar cakes, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. You could also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits for a delightful contrast. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or ginger can also elevate the taste!

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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