Traditional Sugar Cookies
Sweet, buttery sugar cookies with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for any occasion or holiday. Their crisp edges and tender centers make them a family favorite, easy to decorate for celebrations or enjoy plain with a glass of milk. A timeless treat suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly softened shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla flavoring.
- Blend in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured cloth-covered board.
- Cut into shapes and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with sugar or decorate as desired.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until very light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, reduce the baking time by a minute or two. You can substitute half of the shortening with butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have cinnamon, nutmeg can be a good alternative. Be sure to chill the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. For a festive twist, consider adding colored sprinkles on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these traditional sugar cookies with a glass of milk or hot tea for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with Apricot Cream Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also decorate them with icing or colorful sprinkles for special occasions. Consider serving them alongside Heavenly Chocolate Truffles(Microwave) for a dessert platter that impresses.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Sugar Cookies contains roughly 71 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 margarine instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for shortening, but it may alter the texture slightly. Cookies made with margarine might spread more during baking, resulting in a thinner cookie. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider using half shortening and half margarine.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to help manage stickiness. If it's still unmanageable, you may need to add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these sugar cookies more festive, you can incorporate holiday-themed cookie cutters for different shapes. Additionally, decorating them with colorful icing or edible glitter can create a fun presentation. Consider making a batch for special occasions such as holidays or parties, and they will surely be a hit!
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).