Sugar Cookies I

Sugar Cookies I Recipe - Delicious All-American Treats

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 24

Introduction

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are loved by many for their sweet and buttery flavor. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it be a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious sugar cookies that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of sugar cookies can be traced back to the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. These cookies were originally known as Nazareth Sugar Jumbles and were made with just a few simple ingredients such as sugar, butter, and flour. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and sugar cookies are now a popular treat enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups brown sugar
0.5 cup white sugar
1 cup shortening
0.25 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening.
Add the milk, vanilla, and eggs to the mixture and mix well.
Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
Refrigerate the dough for approximately 1 hour.
Using floured hands, roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
Place the dough balls onto a cookie sheet.
Using three fingers pressed together, flatten each ball, creating ridges down the middle.
Bake in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven for 9 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Mix in a cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
Drizzle melted chocolate or icing over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugars and shortening together until light and fluffy to ensure a soft and tender cookie.

- Refrigerating the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure that each cookie is the same size for even baking.

- For a festive touch, decorate the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these sugar cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a delicious snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugars and shortening together until light and fluffy is key to a soft and tender cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of shortening for a richer flavor.

- Almond or coconut milk can be used in place of dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve these sugar cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sugar cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Sugar cookies are a sweet treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are loved by many for their sweet and buttery flavor. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these delicious cookies with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a simple recipe for sugar cookies, but there was something about it that caught my eye. The ingredients were basic – flour, sugar, butter, eggs – but the method was different from any other sugar cookie recipe I had ever seen.

I had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age and the binding was falling apart, but the recipes inside were a treasure trove of culinary delights. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon the sugar cookie recipe and knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe called for creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then adding in the eggs one at a time, followed by the flour and a touch of vanilla extract. The dough was then rolled out and cut into shapes before being baked to golden perfection. It seemed simple enough, but there was a mysterious note at the bottom of the page that intrigued me even more.

The note read: "For the best sugar cookies, be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven." It was a simple tip, but one that I had never heard before. I wondered where it had come from and why it was included in the recipe.

I decided to follow the instructions to the letter and chilled the dough as directed. As I rolled it out and cut it into shapes, the dough held together beautifully and the cookies baked up perfectly. They were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. I was thrilled with the results and couldn't wait to share the recipe with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made these sugar cookies countless times, each time perfecting the recipe and making it my own. I have added a touch of lemon zest for a hint of citrus, or sprinkled them with colored sugar for a festive touch. I have even shaped them into hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for the Fourth of July.

But no matter how I choose to dress them up, these sugar cookies will always hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of the day I discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook and the joy I felt when I first tasted their delicious, buttery goodness.

And so, as I pass this recipe down to future generations, I hope that they too will feel the same sense of wonder and delight that I felt when I first saw it. For in every bite of these sugar cookies lies a piece of my culinary heritage, a legacy of love and tradition that will endure for years to come.