Sugar Cookies For Cookie Cutters
Sweet and buttery sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with cookie cutters, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or special occasions. Their crisp edges and tender centers hold up well to icing and sprinkles, appealing to bakers of all skill levels and delighting both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Add the baking soda, salt, and flour to the creamed mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes as desired.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, consider reducing the baking time slightly to keep them chewy. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. For added flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. You can also sprinkle some colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for decorating, making them ideal for holidays or special occasions. Serve them alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert trays, especially when paired with other treats like Butter Pound Cake or Christmas Flower Cookies. For a fun twist, try sandwiching two cookies with frosting for an added treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Cookies For Cookie Cutters contains roughly 432 calories, with 7g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2347mg per serving (102% 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 substitute butter for shortening, which will give the cookies a richer flavor. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making them a bit more tender. If you prefer a lighter cookie, you could also use margarine.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers may still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven and cookie thickness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to three months; thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.
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).