Special Sugar Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 9 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sweet sugar cookies with a buttery flavor, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats. Their crisp edges and soft centers appeal to all ages and tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/4 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1/2 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Make small balls from the dough.
  3. Roll the tops of the balls in white sugar, colored sugars, or sprinkles.
  4. Press in a crisscross pattern with a fork.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are light brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter instead of regular butter. If you're out of cream of tartar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar in equal amounts. To make the cookies more festive, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts into the dough. Ensure not to over-mix the dough to keep cookies tender.

Serving Suggestions

These special sugar cookies are delightful on their own or can be paired with a glass of milk or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Cousin Maddy'S Lemon Pie at gatherings. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. Garnish with fresh fruit or serve with Dilly Dip For Vegies for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Special Sugar Cookies contains roughly 124 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

124 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 2g 3% DV
Carbs 23.7g 9% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 118.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 158.9mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 30.5mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4% DV
Calcium 43.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Choose a good-quality margarine for the best results. The cookies may not be as rich, but they will still turn out delicious.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just light brown and the centers look slightly underdone. You can also add an extra egg yolk for added moisture, which will keep the cookies tender.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the butter and make it easier to shape into balls. Additionally, you can sprinkle a little flour on your hands when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.

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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