Sugar cookies are a timeless treat enjoyed worldwide for their delicate sweetness and buttery texture. This recipe, dated 1950, captures the charm of mid-20th-century home baking, using simple pantry staples to create a cookie that is easy to shape, roll, and decorate. The dough is versatile, allowing for flavor customization with nutmeg, vanilla, or other spices, and can be rolled thin for crisp cookies or thicker for softer bites. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as an everyday sweet, these cookies evoke nostalgia and provide a delicious blank canvas for festive decorations.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp milk ( or cream)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp grated nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or other flavoring of choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
- Cream together ½ cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg
- Beat in 1 large egg until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Stir in 2 tablespoons milk or cream.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 5: Flavor the Dough
- Add grated nutmeg and vanilla (or other desired flavorings). Mix until incorporated.
Step 6: Roll Out Dough
- On a floured surface, roll dough thin. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
Step 7: Bake
- Place cookies on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven (375°F / 190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
- Cool cookies on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- Chill dough 30 minutes for cleaner cut shapes
- Roll dough on lightly floured parchment to prevent sticking
- Bake at about 375°F / 190°C for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden at edges
- For softer cookies, roll slightly thicker
- For crisp cookies, roll very thin as the card suggests
- Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for sparkle
- Add lemon zest for a citrus variation
- Replace nutmeg with cinnamon for warm spice variation
- Frost with buttercream for holiday decorating
- Double the recipe easily for cookie exchanges or gifting
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0.15gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.6mg
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