Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies

🍪 Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies 🍪

History:
Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies are a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. They originated in the early 20th century, created by Catherine herself, who was known for her incredible baking skills. These cookies gained their “million-dollar” name due to their irresistibly delicious taste and the sheer joy they brought to those who enjoyed them. They have been a staple at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and special occasions ever since.

Components:

1. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4. 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
5. 1 egg
6. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7. 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps to Prepare Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This may take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. You can use a fork to flatten the cookies slightly and create a crisscross pattern on top.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake; you want them to remain soft and chewy.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. 🍪 Time to Enjoy 🍪: Your Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies are ready to enjoy! Share them with family and friends, and savor their delicious, timeless taste.

Preparation Time:
The total time required to make Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including preparation, chilling, baking, and cooling. These cookies are well worth the effort and are sure to bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces. 😊🍪

Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cookie):

• Calories: Approximately 100-120 kcal (calories can vary based on exact ingredients and size of the cookie).
• Total Fat: 6-7 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-25 mg
• Sodium: 70-90 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugars: 7-8 grams
• Protein: 1-2 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Aunt Catherine’s Million Dollar Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat, but they are also a sweet indulgence. They are relatively high in sugar and saturated fat, so it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. It’s easy to consume more cookies than you intended due to their tempting taste. Limit your consumption to one or two cookies at a time.

3. Sugar: These cookies contain a significant amount of added sugar, which should be consumed sparingly. High sugar intake can lead to health issues such as weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases.

4. Saturated Fat: The butter in these cookies contributes to their rich flavor but also adds saturated fat. High intake of saturated fat can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and heart health concerns. Consider using unsalted butter in the recipe to reduce the sodium content.

5. Balance: Enjoying these cookies as an occasional treat is perfectly fine, but remember to balance your diet with a variety of nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of water.

6. Allergen Consideration: If you or someone you’re sharing these cookies with has food allergies, be aware of potential allergens like nuts (from almond extract) and gluten (from all-purpose flour). Adjust the recipe or choose alternative ingredients if necessary.

Remember that the nutritional values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals.🍪📊