Sugar Cookies II

Sugar Cookies II Recipe | All-American Classic Cookies

Region / culture: USA | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 36 sugar cookies.

Introduction

Sugar cookies are a classic treat that are loved by people of all ages. These delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday celebration or just a sweet treat for yourself. With a buttery and sweet flavor, sugar cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Sugar cookies have been a popular dessert for centuries, with origins dating back to the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. These simple cookies were originally known as Nazareth Sugar Cookies and were made with just a few basic ingredients such as sugar, butter, and flour. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include various flavors and decorations.

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup of salad oil
2 tsp of vanilla
1 tsp of grated lemon peel
4.25 cups of flour
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of cream of tartar
1 tsp of salt
plain or colored sugar

How to prepare

Cream the butter and sugars together until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Mix in the oil, vanilla, and lemon peel.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients and gradually add them to the sugar mixture, beating until well blended.
Wrap the dough in wax paper and chill it in the refrigerator for several hours.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease two cookie sheets.
Divide the dough into thirds, keeping 0.33 portion out and refrigerating the rest until needed.
Take a heaping teaspoon of dough and form it into a ball.
Place the dough balls on the cookie sheet.
Flatten each ball to a 2" diameter using the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
Sprinkle the cookies with plain or colored sugar and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to stand on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before removing them.

Variations

Add sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Use different extracts such as almond or peppermint for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will help create a smooth and fluffy texture.

- Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for several hours will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.

- Use a glass dipped in sugar to flatten the dough balls for a decorative touch and extra sweetness.

- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to prevent them from breaking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sugar cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a classic and comforting treat. These cookies are also perfect for gifting to friends and family during the holidays.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is an important step in creating the perfect sugar cookie texture. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salad oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter as a substitute.

- You can use lemon extract or orange zest instead of grated lemon peel for a citrusy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sugar cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply roll out the dough, cut out the cookies, and bake as directed when ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sugar cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. You can also package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Sugar cookies pair well with a variety of beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of sparkling cider. They also go well with ice cream or frosting for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 200 calories. It's important to enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat. Fat is important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins.

Proteins

Each serving of sugar cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Sugar cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. However, they do contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Sugar cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs, which are common allergens. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to use suitable substitutes or avoid this recipe altogether.

Summary

While sugar cookies are a delicious treat, they are high in sugar and calories. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Summary

Sugar cookies are a timeless treat that are loved by many for their sweet and buttery flavor. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy these delicious cookies anytime. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, sugar cookies are sure to delight your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Sugar Cookies II. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah's house for our weekly baking session. Sarah was known for her delicious treats, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. Sarah greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a plate of her famous sugar cookies. They were soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet – just the way I liked them.

I couldn't resist asking Sarah for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained that these sugar cookies were a family recipe passed down from her grandmother, who was an excellent baker. Sarah had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own special touches to make it even more delicious.

I watched intently as Sarah walked me through the steps of making the sugar cookies. She showed me how to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Next, she gently folded in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough formed.

Once the dough was ready, Sarah rolled it out onto a floured surface and used cookie cutters to create fun shapes. She placed the cookies on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven, where they baked to a perfect golden brown.

As the cookies cooled on the counter, Sarah taught me how to make a simple glaze to drizzle over the top. She mixed powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract until it reached the desired consistency, then carefully poured it over the cookies.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when I did, I was blown away by the flavor and texture of these sugar cookies. They were soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, and I knew I had to add this recipe to my collection.

Over the years, I've made these Sugar Cookies II countless times for my family and friends. They've become a staple at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and any time I want to brighten someone's day with a sweet treat.

Each time I bake these cookies, I'm reminded of that warm summer day in Sarah's kitchen, where I learned the secret to making the perfect sugar cookies. I'm grateful for the wisdom and experience she shared with me, and I know that this recipe will continue to bring joy and happiness to those I love for years to come.