Sugar Cookies(Big, Old Fashioned)

Prep: 240 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Classic sugar cookies with a tender crumb and sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simple everyday treats. Easy to make and decorate.

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Ingredients

  • 8 1/4 cups flour
  • 6 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups butter
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in salt and vanilla extract.
  4. Sift together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add to the batter.
  5. Chill the dough for several hours before rolling out.
  6. Use an empty 1-pound coffee can as a cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
  7. Place the cut-out cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, avoiding browning around the edges.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you want to add flavor, try incorporating almond extract alongside the vanilla. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading during baking. If you don’t have a coffee can, any round cutter will work. Experiment with different toppings like colored sprinkles or a light glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be decorated with icing for festive events. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert spread, serve alongside Strawberry Whips or a slice of Mom's Honey Bun Cake. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sugar Cookies(Big, Old Fashioned) contains roughly 2170 calories, with 35g protein, 330g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and iron (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

2170 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35g 70% DV
Total Fat 84g 100% DV
Carbs 330.3g 100% DV
Fiber 26.7g 95% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1747.1mg 76% DV
Potassium 1904.2mg 41% DV
Cholesterol 457.2mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 180.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 616.2mg 47% DV
Iron 13.6mg 75% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
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 substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly. For the best results, use a stick margarine that is designed for baking, as it has a similar fat content to butter.

How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, or spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. A dash of almond extract can also provide a delightful twist that complements the vanilla.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, chill it, and then freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, roll it out, and cut 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).

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