Mother’s Sugar Cookies, found in VRP 014, are a timeless classic that brings back the nostalgia of homemade treats baked with love. These cookies are rich and tender, with a soft texture that comes from the addition of sour cream, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether rolled into festive shapes for the holidays or simply enjoyed as they are, these sugar cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

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Mother’s Sugar Cookies

Food History

Sugar cookies have long been a staple in American baking, particularly during holidays and special occasions. Originating from early European settlers, these cookies evolved from simple recipes using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. By the 19th century, sugar cookies had become a popular treat in many American households, often made for celebrations and family gatherings.

The addition of sour cream in this recipe is a traditional method that adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture. Sour cream was a common ingredient in older baking recipes, as it was often used to enrich doughs and batters, giving baked goods a unique flavor and texture. This recipe captures the essence of those classic baking traditions, offering a cookie that is both rich in flavor and perfect for decorating.

Craving sugar cookies? Check out our recipe round-up for the best, buttery, and perfectly sweet versions to bake up today!

Read more about the history of Sugar Cookies, more recipes, and baking tips.

Timeline

Early European Settlement: Sugar cookies, or variations of them, are brought to America by European settlers, where they evolve into a distinct treat enjoyed across the colonies.
19th Century: Sugar cookies become a popular household treat in America, often made for holidays and special occasions. Recipes begin to include ingredients like sour cream to enhance the texture and flavor.
Mid-20th Century: Recipes like Mother’s Sugar Cookies are passed down through generations, becoming cherished family traditions, especially during the holiday season.
Present Day: Sugar cookies remain a beloved part of American baking, with countless variations and decorating options. This classic recipe continues to be enjoyed by families who appreciate its soft, tender texture and rich flavor.

Recipe Discussion

Mother’s Sugar Cookies are a straightforward and delicious recipe that highlights the importance of simple, quality ingredients. The recipe begins by creaming together shortening, sugar, and sour cream. This combination creates a rich and creamy base for the dough, with the sour cream adding moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar.

Next, eggs and vanilla are blended into the creamed mixture, enriching the dough and adding a subtle depth of flavor. The dry ingredients—flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder—are sifted together and then added to the wet ingredients, forming a smooth, soft dough. The scant 4 cups of flour help to keep the dough tender, while the baking soda and powder ensure the cookies rise slightly and have a light texture.

Chilling the dough thoroughly is crucial, as it firms up the fat (shortening) and makes the dough easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Once the dough is chilled, it can be rolled out on a floured surface and cut into your favorite shapes using cookie cutters. The cookies are then baked at 350°F until they are done, typically taking about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of the cookies.

Want to elevate your baking game? Discover the magic behind how to cream butter and sugar—the essential technique that turns good bakes into great ones!

Preparation Tips

Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled for the best results.
Rolling Thickness: For a soft, cake-like cookie, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Thinner dough will result in a crisper cookie.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be removed from the oven just as they start to turn golden around the edges. Overbaking will result in a drier cookie.

Recommended Kitchen Items

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Rolling Pin: A quality rolling pin ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough, which is key to consistent baking results.
Cookie Cutters: Invest in a set of cookie cutters in various shapes to add a creative touch to your sugar cookies, especially for holidays and special occasions.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for allowing the cookies to cool evenly, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Decorated with Icing: Once cooled, these sugar cookies can be decorated with your favorite icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
With a Cup of Tea: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a simple and comforting snack.
As a Holiday Treat: Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season, spreading the joy of homemade baking.

Sweet, simple, and oh-so-fun! Celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day on July 9th with a batch of these classic treats—decorate, bake, and enjoy!

View all the Food Holidays.

A Timeless Family Recipe

Mother’s Sugar Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a piece of family history, representing the love and care that goes into baking for loved ones. This recipe, passed down through generations, offers a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family and friends, these sugar cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

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Mother’s Sugar Cookies Recipe

Mother's Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups flour, scant
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Cream shortening, sugar, and sour cream
Blend in eggs and vanilla
Sift dry ingredients
Add to creamed mixture
Chill thoroughly before rolling into shapes
Bake at 350 degrees till done