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    Home » Baking

    Aug 1, 2020 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Classic Sugar Cookies

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Classic Sugar Cookies are just like Mom used to make. These taste exactly like the beautiful sugar cookies from fancy cookie bouquet stores, maybe even better. When I was growing up, my mom always made decorated sugar cookies to celebrate any season. The best part about this recipe: there's no need for the dough to firm up in the refrigerator. The cookies are ready to roll and bake right away.

    Sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees stacked and arranged on a plate.
    These cookies are thick and similar to shortbread.

    High Quality Ingredients

    Sugar cookies are one of those treats where you really can't skimp on the ingredients. Use the best quality vanilla and almond extracts you can find, not imitation flavorings.

    I also recommend using real butter, not a butter substitute or margarine.

    This recipe does include shortening, which helps the cookie have a distinctive soft texture but I don't recommend swapping the shortening for added butter.

    Raw cookie dough in a mound.
    This cookie dough is ready to roll-out as soon as you mix it up. No need to refrigerate, it's good to go.

    Tips and FAQ

    What's the best thickness for sugar cookies?

    How you roll out the dough is the most important part of the sugar cookie-making process.

    Although it's very tempting to roll the dough quite thin, that will result in a crunchy cookie that will likely brown around the edges while baking. I recommend you roll the dough out to about ½ inch.

    But there's no need to go thicker than that, otherwise, the cookies won't bake properly. With this recipe for Classic Sugar Cookies, the cookies will turn out just like the fancy ones you see created for those special cookie bouquets. If you truly prefer a thinner cookie, just be sure to be consistent with each roll of the dough and adjust the baking time. A thinner cookie will finish baking must faster.

    Two sugar cookies on a plate
    Sugar cookies! Frosted to celebrate any holiday or season.
    Cookie dough rolled out.
    You'll want this dough to be thick. Thicker than most other sugar cookies so avoid the temptation to over do it with the rolling pin.
    Raw cookies shaped like pumpkins.
    See how thick those are! Don't worry, they'll bake beautifully and create the softest sugar cookie ever.

    Perfect Cookies for Decorating

    One of the things I love best about this recipe is the cookies are sturdy enough to allow for any decorating design, sprinkles or additional treats you want to place on top. Unlike a lot of cookies that spread out and lose their shape while baking, this recipe will maintain the size and shape that you choose when cut through the dough with the cookie cutter.

    Try my Best Buttercream Frosting for a delicious frosting for these yummy cookies.

    Two sugar cookies on a plate
    Sugar cookies! Frosted to celebrate any holiday or season.

    More Ideas

    Here are other treats to make and share. I love how simple Fancy Rice Krispy Treats are to prepare and they are absolutely delicious. They taste a little like an orange creamsicle, kids love 'em. Adults do too!

    For the December holidays, Mini-Gingerbread Houses are a big hit every single time. Perfect for a party! There's just something so special about creating your own unique gingerbread house.

    And pretty much any time you are looking for a quick and easy dessert, be sure to make my No Peel Apple Cake. It's a delicious and EASY treat to make any time of year. Oh, and you don't even have to peel the apples.

    Two sugar cookies on a plate

    Classic Sugar Cookies

    Just like Mom used to make. This is a recipe that tastes exactly like the beautiful sugar cookies from those fancy cookie bouquet stores, maybe even better. The cookies are ready to roll and bake right away. Have fun!
    5 from 40 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prep Time: 18 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 18 cookies
    Calories: 248kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • ½ cup shortening
    • ½ cup butter softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 egg
    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ teaspoon white vinegar
    • 4 cups flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon almond extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375°

    Cream Together

    • In a medium sized bowl or mixer, cream together shortening, butter, sugar and egg.

    Make Sour Milk

    • Combine milk with vinegar in a small bowl and allow to sit for about 15 minutes. This will create a sour milk, which is perfect for this recipe

    Combine Ingredients

    • In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, soured milk, almond and vanilla extracts.
    • Combine creamed butter and sugar mixture with the flour mixture. The dough will be sturdy and ready to roll out.

    Roll Dough

    • Roll dough out quite thick, about ½ inch. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
    • Bake for 9-10 minutes on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Frost with your favorite vanilla frosting.
    Did you make this recipe? Scroll up and leave a star rating.Tap @crinkledcookbook and follow me today.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 182IUCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      December 13, 2021 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm... I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. This looks so mouthwatering.

      Reply

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