Cookie-Jar Sugar Cookies

Everyone needs to have a sugar cookie baking experience. The fun of mixing and rolling out the dough, selecting the perfect cookie cutter, and decorating them afterwards, all while getting flour everywhere. It’s a core childhood memory for many of us. Plus, the simple flavor of a sugar cookie is one almost no one can deny. They’re sugary sweet with a crunchy, crisp finish. These Cookie-Jar Sugar Cookies are those delectable bites you remember from your youth with a hint of orange and vanilla. Be sure to involve little hands in this process for family memory-making. Starting kids in baking early can lead them to life long passions and allows for recipes to pass down through generations.

What is Shortening?

Shortening is a solid fat that bakers use to tenderize and add a rich flavor to different desserts. It is typically made from a blend of vegetable oils and hydrogenated fats. Shortening has a high melting point, which helps to create that flaky and tender texture in pastries and cookies that we all love. It also helps to prevent baked goods from becoming tough or dry.

Cookie-Jar Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Leah Hohman, Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A simple sugar cookie is just what you need during the holidays.

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Ingredients

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• 2/3 cup shortening
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp grated orange peel
• 2 cups sifted enriched flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 tsp milk

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Instructions

1. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Stir to combine.
2. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream shortening and sugar.
3. Add egg and beat until fluffy.
4. Add vanilla and grated orange peel. Beat until blended.
5. Add dry ingredients and milk. Beat until just combined.
6. Divide dough in half. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
8. Remove one portion of dough from fridge and roll out to 1/8 thick.
9. Cut into shapes.
10. Place on greased or Silpat-covered cookie sheets.
11. Sprinkle lightly with sugar.
12. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.
13. Repeat with second portion of dough.

Recipe by Leah Hohman, Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens / Photography by Katie Long

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