Aunt Maggie’s Sugar Cookies
Looking for an old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe that stays soft and tender? These thick cut-out sugar cookies are made with butter, vanilla, and a touch of vinegar for a tender texture, then finished with an easy homemade vanilla frosting.
Servings 36
Calories 308kcal
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons white vinegar
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening such as Crisco
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk plus more as needed
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar, and mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. After adding about 2 cups of the flour mixture, pour in the milk. Continue adding the remaining flour and mix just until a soft dough forms.
- There is no need to chill the dough. Transfer it to a generously floured work surface and roll it out to about 5/16-inch thick. If the dough feels too sticky to roll easily, work in a little additional flour as needed.
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes with cookie cutters. Transfer the cookies to baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to show a little light color around the edges. Avoid overbaking if you want them to stay soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable shortening and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Beat until light and creamy. Add the food coloring at this time if desired.
- Add additional milk, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the completely cooled sugar cookies and decorate. Allow the frosting to set, then pack and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg