The American version of the sugar cookie can be traced back to the mid-1700s when German Protestant settlers in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, created what they called the Nazareth sugar cookie. Then in 1875 the cookie cutter was invented, and with sugar cookie dough being easy to cut and shape, customized sugar cookies grew widely popular. It became a tradition for children to leave sugar cookies and milk for Santa in the 1930s. The cookies are often cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles. Not only eating sugar cookies, but also decorating them remains a Christmas tradition for many families. National Sugar Cookie Day is July 9.
Recipe Servings: 48
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar, more as needed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Gradually beat the flour mixture into the creamed ingredients.
- Shape the batter into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in additional sugar.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets and flatten them using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool before decorating, if desired.
Recipe introduction and directions © Copyright 2016-2024 World Trade Press. All rights reserved.