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Nana holding a tray of her famous sugar cookies in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, smiling warmly as she shares her beloved holiday tradition.

Nana's Sugar Cookies

Every year Nana makes the Best sugar cookies! This year she shares her coveted recipe with everyone. Nana’s sugar cookies are a soft and chewy holiday classic, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. Made with simple ingredients like sour cream and cake batter flavoring, these old-fashioned sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully while staying tender. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just a sweet treat, this no-fail sugar cookie recipe is a must-try! 🎄🍪
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 112 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Cup Crisco
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 3 Cups Flour All Purpose
  • 1 Teaspoon McCormick Cake Batter Flavor You can substitute vanilla or almond flavoring (extract) here.
  • powdered Sugar For Icing
  • Milk For Icing

Instructions
 

For the Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350℉
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine Crisco, sugar, egg, and cake batter flavoring. Beat until light and fluffy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Stir in the sour cream and mix well until a soft dough forms.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookies on the sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set. Do not overbake! Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

For the Icing

  • In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a little bit of milk, adding just enough to create a thick, spreadable consistency. The icing should be thick enough to cling to a spatula without running off. Add flavoring of choice for extra depth.
  • Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and let it set before storing.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.17gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.33gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 31IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.33mg
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