Sugar Cookies

Here’s the first of my favorite holiday snack recipes.

I’ve been hunting for a decent sugar cookie recipe for years. I finally found one a few months ago. It was in an old Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook that I picked up at a yardsale about a year ago.

I’ve made it several times and it turns out right every time 🙂 Maybe I’m just really picky about my sugar cookies but I’m really happy to have found this recipe!

Sugar Cookies
2/3 cup shortening (I usually use 1/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup shortening – the shortening is necessary for the right texture)
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
4tsp milk
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Thoroughly cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla. Add egg; beat till light and fluffy. Stir in milk. Sift together dry ingredients; blend into creamed mixture.

I form 1in balls, roll them in sugar and then use my thumb to press them flat in the center (makes a slight well for icing).

If you want to roll them, divide dough in half, chill for 1 hour. On lightly floured surface roll to 1/8 in thickness. Cut with cookie cutters.

Baking instructions are the same for balls or shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 about 6 to 8 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.