Sugar "Christmas" Cookies
Festive sugar cookies with crisp edges and tender centers, perfect for decorating during holidays. Sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla, ideal for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, shortening, and butter or margarine until well combined.
- Mix in eggs, vanilla, milk, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add flour until dough is firm but not sticky.
- Chill dough well overnight.
- Roll out dough to desired thickness and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, checking bottoms for doneness.
- Frost and decorate as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding festive spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. If you prefer a butter-only dough, omit the shortening. Make sure to chill the dough for at least a few hours to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or an Orange Vanilla Shake for a delightful treat. You can also pair them with Fudge Sauce For Ice Cream for a fun dessert. Decorate with colorful icing for a festive look that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar "Christmas" Cookies contains roughly 1571 calories, with 22g protein, 228g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2586mg per serving (112% 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 fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can replace the shortening with an equal amount of butter or margarine for a richer flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to melt the coconut oil if it's solid before mixing it into the dough.
How can I ensure my cookies are soft and not hard?
To keep your cookies soft, avoid over-baking them. Check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time and remove them from the oven when they are just set but still soft in the center. Chilling the dough also helps achieve a tender texture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting into shapes.
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).