Name: Grandma Minnie’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, for rolling; ½ teaspoon almond extract; Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Some recipes carry memories that go far beyond the kitchen, and Grandma Minnie’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies are one of those treasures. Soft, sweet, and lightly golden, these cookies are a staple at family gatherings, holiday parties, and simple afternoon snacks. Unlike modern sugar cookies that are sometimes overly sweet or heavily decorated, Grandma Minnie’s recipe is straightforward, focusing on pure flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just the right balance of butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies offer timeless comfort. Learning how to make them is like carrying a piece of family history forward—each batch filled with tradition, warmth, and joy.

Contents show

Ingredients (with detailed measurements)

For about 36 cookies:

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Additional ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, for rolling

Optional:

½ teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor
Colored sugar for holiday decoration

Instructions (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the oven and pans

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes with a mixer. Proper creaming incorporates air, helping cookies bake soft and tender.

Step 4: Add wet ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If using almond extract, add it now.

Step 5: Combine dough

Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 6: Shape cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Coat each ball lightly in granulated sugar before placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture.

Step 8: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conservation and Storage

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Dough: Shape dough into balls, freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 minutes to baking time.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze cooled cookies in airtight containers for up to 6 weeks. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations

Holiday Sugar Cookies: Roll in colored sugar or decorate with sprinkles for festive occasions.
Glazed Sugar Cookies: Add a simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla once cooled.
Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic variation.
Cut-Out Version: Chill dough, roll it out, and cut into shapes for decorating.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea.
Arrange on a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and shortbread.
Package in tins or cellophane bags for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Pair with ice cream for a fun cookie sandwich dessert.
Serve plain for everyday enjoyment or add icing for festive events.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill if needed: If dough feels sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping.
Even size: Roll dough into uniform balls for consistent baking.
Watch the bake: Pull cookies out just as edges turn golden to keep them soft.
Customize sugar: Rolling in coarse sugar creates a sparkly finish.

Conclusion

Grandma Minnie’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies embody everything a cookie should be: simple, comforting, and timeless. They are versatile enough to adapt for holidays, celebrations, or everyday treats, yet classic enough to never go out of style. With their soft texture, delicate sweetness, and endless variations, these cookies carry tradition with every bite. Bake a batch, share them with family and friends, and you’ll see why this recipe has been loved for generations.