Zelma'S Sugar Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Zelma's Sugar Cookies are classic, buttery cookies with a delicate sweetness and subtle almond and vanilla flavors. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats, these versatile cookies are easy to roll and cut into fun shapes, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup fat
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream the fat until smooth.
  2. Blend in sugar, eggs, and flavoring (almond and vanilla).
  3. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt).
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the chilled dough.
  5. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the fat with unsalted butter, which adds a delicious creaminess to the cookies. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using lemon or orange extract instead of almond. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing, and chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with royal icing or sprinkles for decoration. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk and are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for afternoon tea. Consider serving them alongside Butter Nut Cookies for a varied dessert platter.

Storage & Reheating

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

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Zelma'S Sugar Cookies contains roughly 2990 calories, with 15g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 300g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

2990 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.9g 30% DV
Total Fat 300.5g 100% DV
Carbs 41.9g 15% DV
Fiber 11.5g 41% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 267.8mg 12% DV
Potassium 731.7mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 298mg 99% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 32.7mg 36% DV
Vitamin D 1.9mcg 9% DV
Calcium 192.2mg 15% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour. However, this may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. If using whole wheat flour, consider adding a bit more liquid to the dough to maintain the right consistency.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, try reducing the baking time slightly or adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough. Additionally, ensure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients, as this can make the cookies tougher.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. While it's not strictly necessary, for best results and a thicker cookie, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is recommended.

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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