Are you craving the taste of warm, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies? Forget those store-bought disappointments! This recipe for Crisco butter sugar cookies delivers the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness, making it a delicious and easy recipe for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newbies alike. It's a quick dinner idea if you're short on time, and a perfect homemade cooking project for a cozy night in. Let's get baking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. Let's gather everything before we begin:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Crisco vegetable shortening, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss in Simple Steps
Follow these easy steps to create deliciously perfect sugar cookies.
Step 1: Cream Together the Fats and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and Crisco until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and continue creaming until well combined. This step is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings.
Tips and Tricks for Cookie Perfection
- Softened Butter and Crisco: Make sure your butter and Crisco are truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time is Key: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Baking Time: Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on your cookies to prevent burning.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, spiced cookie.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, like cream cheese frosting or royal icing, to create unique designs.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - Approximate)
This information is approximate and will vary based on cookie size and added toppings.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These delicious Crisco butter sugar cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating these simple yet delightful cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, and are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!