The Ultimate Sugar Cookie
These classic sugar cookies are buttery, sweet, and perfectly crisp on the edges, making them ideal for decorating or enjoying on their own. Their simple yet delightful flavor profile suits all ages and occasions, from holidays to everyday treats, with a tender crumb and a hint of vanilla and vanilla flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Combine sugar and Crisco in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until well blended.
- Add eggs, light corn syrup, and vanilla. Beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture at low speed, mixing until well blended.
- Divide the dough into quarters.
- If dough is too sticky, refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Keep covered until ready to roll. Place a quarter of the dough on floured paper.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out with a floured cutter.
- Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle with sugar or decorations if desired. Bake at 375°F for 5 to 9 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter Crisco is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a slightly different flavor, consider substituting half of the butter Crisco with unsalted butter. To enhance the sweetness, you can add a touch of almond extract along with the vanilla. If the dough is too sticky, don't hesitate to chill it longer in the refrigerator for easier handling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sugar cookies as a delightful treat with a glass of milk or alongside a cup of tea. For a festive touch, decorate the cookies with colored icing or sprinkles. They make an excellent pairing with Sweet Fruitcake or can be enjoyed as part of a dessert platter featuring other favorites from American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. To reheat, simply microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until just warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Ultimate Sugar Cookie contains roughly 210 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 20g fat.
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 butter Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute the butter Crisco with unsalted butter or a dairy-free alternative if needed. Just ensure that whatever fat you choose is softened for easier blending. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still yield delicious cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too soft to roll out?
If your dough is too soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help firm it up, making it easier to roll out. You can also lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. They may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
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).