Tried And True Sugar Cookies
Tried and true sugar cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor, with a crisp edge and tender center. Ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats, these cookies are customizable with colored sugar and provide a delightful baking experience for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Add vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using butter instead of margarine. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Chilling the dough is crucial for the right texture, so don't skip this step. If you want to add a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a simple icing or sprinkles for a festive touch. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside Cherries In The Snow for a refreshing contrast. They also make great snacks for gatherings or holiday cookie exchanges.
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 reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tried And True Sugar Cookies contains roughly 384 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% 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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe. Just make sure to measure it correctly to maintain the right balance of ingredients. If you want a softer texture, you can mix in a bit of cornstarch to the all-purpose flour, but using standard all-purpose flour should yield great results.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands and surface when shaping the cookies. Remember, the dough should be soft but manageable, so avoid adding too much flour at once.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top before baking or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or incorporate seasonal flavors like peppermint or nutmeg to give them a holiday twist.
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).