Grandma’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies

This recipe is without a doubt my most requested. Up until a year ago I would hardly share it, because some part of me wanted to keep it for myself. To say this recipe means a lot to me is an understatement. It is my late grandma’s “Famous Christmas Cookie” recipe. I helped her bake and decorate cookies every year until she passed. I have since taken over as family cookie maker and I look forward to baking these every holiday season. It’s not Christmas without these cookies!

I call them old fashioned because many of the sugar cookie recipes I see today call for butter. This recipe calls for shortening, which is what they used for sugar cookies when Crisco came out in the late 1800’s. In my opinion, shortening helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them a smoother texture.

Over the years I have tweaked this recipe a bit to get the texture just right and to keep them from spreading/puffing too much. For cookie orders, this is my go to sugar cookie. When using intricate cutters you need/want the cookies to hold their shape as best they can. Sharp lines and a flat top makes decorating much easier. Enough talk, lets roll!

• Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 cups shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbs milk
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
• Method
  • Preheat oven to 375 F
  • In a large bowl whisk flour, salt, baking powder and set aside
  • In a large mixing bowl cream together shortening, sugar and vanilla extract
  • Add eggs 1 at a time letting each egg incorporate
  • Add milk and scrape bowl
  • Add flour mixture 1 cup at a time and let ingredients fully incorporate until dough comes together
  • Wrap dough in cling film and chill for at least 2 hours
  • Roll dough 1/4 thick and cut into desired shapes and place on parchment lined baking sheets
  • Bake for 7-9 minutes or until bottom edges of cookies are golden brown
  • Let completely cool before decorating
  • Makes about 3 dozen cookies. Do not double recipe

The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating! Just have fun and practice! This is a crowd pleaser that has stood the test of time. It’s simple and the kids always love helping. If you’re looking for a good royal icing recipe to pair with these sugar cookies, you can find one here.

Thanks for checking in! Until next time!