Home
Home
Home
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- cooking spray
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup butter flavored shortening
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 3 tablespoons almond breeze vanilla almondmilk, or more as needed, divided
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, or more to taste
- decorator sugar (optional)
- frosting (if desired):
- 3 tablespoons almond breeze vanilla almondmilk, or more as needed
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In large bowl, beat 1 cup shortening, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, scraping sides of bowl if necessary.
- Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Mix on low speed until well mixed.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the Almondmilk and beat until smooth.
- Form into 1 1/4-inch balls, using rounded tablespoonfuls of dough. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
- Place 3 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar in small bowl. Spray flat bottom of measuring cup or drinking glass with cooking spray; dip in sugar.
- Press each cookie flat, dipping into sugar every other time.
- If desired, lightly brush tops of cookies with remaining Almondmilk and sprinkle with colored decorator sugar or sprinkles, or leave plain and frost when cooled.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown.
- Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Remove to cooling racks.
- In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, 3/4 cup shortening, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of the Almondmilk with electric mixer on low speed until moistened.
- Beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, adding Almondmilk for desired spreading consistency. Tint as desired with food coloring.
The Simple Joy of Homemade Sugar Cookies
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weekends are often a whirlwind of errands, soccer games, and trying to squeeze in a moment of peace. But there's something incredibly grounding about baking. The rhythmic mixing, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen, it's a small act of self-care that somehow manages to encompass the love I want to share with my family. These sugar cookies aren't some elaborate, hours-long project. They're quick, easy, and yet deliver that unparalleled homemade satisfaction. They're the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea on a chilly evening, or to share with friends and family gathered around the table. The recipe is simple, the process is therapeutic, and the result is pure happiness in every bite.
The best part? These cookies are incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different frostings and toppings. A classic vanilla frosting is always a winner, but you can also get creative with chocolate, peanut butter, or even a bright and cheerful lemon curd. For a holiday twist, add sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. The possibilities are endless, which is what makes them so appealing. It’s about creating something beautiful and delicious, and sharing that joy with the people you love. More than just a recipe, these cookies are a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and savor the sweet moments.
Beyond the immediate gratification of warm, freshly-baked cookies, this recipe represents a connection to something larger than myself. It's a link to my grandmother, who taught me the importance of simple pleasures and the power of a homemade treat to bring people together. Her sugar cookies were legendary, and though my version might not be quite as perfect, the spirit of her tradition lives on in every batch I bake. It's about more than just following a recipe; it's about creating memories and fostering connections through the shared experience of enjoying something delicious. It’s a small act of love, transformed into a sweet and satisfying reward.
The beauty of baking lies not just in the finished product but in the process itself. The measuring, the mixing, the careful shaping of the dough – each step is a meditation in itself, a chance to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and focus on the present moment. The kitchen becomes a sanctuary, a place where I can let go of my worries and reconnect with a simpler, more satisfying rhythm. It’s a chance to practice mindfulness, one spoonful of sugar at a time.
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a symbol of comfort, of love, and of the simple joys that make life worth living. So, take some time, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking transform your kitchen into a place of warmth, comfort, and delicious possibilities. Whether you share them with loved ones or enjoy them in quiet solitude, these cookies are a guaranteed way to brighten your day and nourish your soul. They're a small indulgence with a big payoff, a testament to the power of simple pleasures and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. And that, my friends, is a recipe for happiness.
