Sugar Cookies(Christmas)
Festive sugar cookies with a buttery, sweet flavor and customizable decorations, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages with their charming shapes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening until smooth.
- Add sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place the cutouts on a cookie sheet.
- Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar or decorate with nuts, colored sugars, candies, gumdrops, cherries, or raisins.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you want to add a festive twist, incorporate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon into the flour mixture. Ensure the dough is properly chilled; this prevents spreading during baking, yielding beautifully shaped cookies. If you're in a hurry, you can skip the chilling step but expect slightly different results.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and pair beautifully with a glass of milk or hot cocoa. You can also serve them alongside a fruit platter or alongside the delicious Honey Barbecue Chicken for a sweet and savory spread. For an extra touch, consider decorating with icing or sprinkles for added festive flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store your sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place layers of parchment paper between the cookies and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Cookies(Christmas) contains roughly 869 calories, with 6g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2135mg per serving (93% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture. Start with a 50/50 mix if you're unsure, as it can alter the cookie's flavor and texture. Adjust the milk slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.
How can I make the cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra egg yolk to the recipe. You can also experiment with different ratios of shortening to butter, as butter adds moisture. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.
What decorations work best for sugar cookies?
Royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles are excellent choices for decorating sugar cookies. You can also use melted chocolate or candy melts for a more indulgent topping. For a classic look, consider using festive nuts or gumdrops, as they add both flavor and color.
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).