Few things connect generations like the aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven. Grandma Minnie’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies carry that same comforting nostalgia. These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and delicately sweet, making them timeless for holidays, family gatherings, or everyday treats. Their simple preparation, combined with a hint of vanilla, allows them to shine on their own or serve as the perfect base for frosting and decorations. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to recreate Grandma Minnie’s treasured cookies, from precise ingredients to step-by-step guidance, tips, and creative variations.
Ingredients
Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results. The following list makes about 36 cookies:
- 225 g (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 300 g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 360 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk
For rolling and decorating:
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar or colored sugar
- Optional: icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. This process incorporates air, which gives the cookies their soft texture.
Step 2: Add eggs and flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures even mixing.
Step 4: Form the dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling allows the butter to firm, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 6: Shape the cookies
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 2.5 cm (1-inch) balls, then roll each ball in granulated or colored sugar. Place cookies on the baking sheet about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the centers remain soft. Do not overbake; cookies will continue to firm slightly as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and decorate
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, enjoy plain or decorate with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Conservation and Storage
Grandma Minnie’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies keep well if stored properly. Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To prevent sticking, separate layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.
Dough can also be prepared in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
Variations
- Frosted sugar cookies: Spread cooled cookies with vanilla or cream cheese frosting, then top with sprinkles.
- Holiday cut-outs: Roll the dough flat after chilling and use cookie cutters for seasonal shapes. Decorate with icing and colored sugar.
- Spiced sugar cookies: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Lemon sugar cookies: Replace almond extract with 1 teaspoon lemon zest and ½ teaspoon lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Brown sugar version: Substitute half the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies suit nearly any occasion. Pair them with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk for a comforting snack. At holiday gatherings, arrange them on a decorative tray with other classics like gingerbread and shortbread. For parties or bake sales, package them in clear bags tied with ribbon. Their soft texture and sweet simplicity also make them an excellent base for ice cream sandwiches.
Tips for Perfecting the Cookies
- Soften butter properly: It should be soft enough to press a finger into but not melted.
- Do not overmix: Overworked dough leads to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: This step prevents spreading and keeps cookies tender.
- Watch the oven: Sugar cookies can quickly overbake. Remove them when edges are lightly golden.
- Uniform size: Roll dough into equal balls for even baking.
Conclusion
Grandma Minnie’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies prove that simplicity never goes out of style. With their buttery flavor, soft texture, and delicate sweetness, they embody homemade comfort. Their versatility allows for endless variations, from plain sugar-dusted treats to frosted holiday showstoppers. By following this guide and incorporating helpful tips, you can master a recipe that connects past and present. These cookies are not only delicious but also a reminder of how cherished traditions live on through baking.
Print
Grandma Minnie’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies: A Complete Guide
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Few things connect generations like the aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven. Grandma Minnie’s Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies carry that same comforting nostalgia. Crisp edges, soft centers, and a delicate sweetness make them timeless for holidays, family gatherings, or everyday baking.
Ingredients
225 g (1 cup / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
300 g (1 ½ cups) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
360 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk
For rolling & decorating:
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar or colored sugar
Optional: icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until dough forms.
Chill dough 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll dough into 2.5 cm balls. Coat with sugar.
Place on lined baking sheets 5 cm apart.
Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are golden.
Cool on sheets for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Decorate as desired.
Notes
Do not overmix; it toughens cookies.
Chilling prevents spreading.
Underbake slightly for soft centers.
Dough can be frozen up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Vintage
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: old-fashioned sugar cookies, Grandma Minnie sugar cookies, traditional sugar cookie recipe
