Sure, let’s dive into the delightful world of Sugar ‘N Spice Cookies! ๐ช This cherished recipe is a nostalgic gem, passed down through generations, emanating the warmth and comfort of home baking. Inspired by the fond memories of holiday gatherings and the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your own recipe collection.
Sugar ‘N Spice Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: Approximately 60 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Cream Shortening: In a large mixing bowl, add the shortening. Cream it until fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This step helps incorporate air into the shortening for a lighter texture in the cookies.
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Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the creamed shortening while continuing to beat. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring that the sugar is well incorporated.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and milk to the mixture. Beat well until the ingredients are fully combined. This creates a smooth and creamy base for the cookie dough.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Beat well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a cohesive dough.
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Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its delightful flavor. This aromatic addition enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
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Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll out.
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Roll Out Dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch using a rolling pin.
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Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. To prevent sticking, dip the cutting edges of the cookie cutters in flour before cutting out the shapes.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut-out cookie shapes on a lightly greased baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are lightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Cool: Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool on a wire rack ensures that they cool evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
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Optional Frosting: Once cooled, the cookies can be frosted if desired. Prepare your favorite icing or frosting and decorate the cookies according to your preference.
These Sugar ‘N Spice Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers with friends and family. With their delicate spice-infused flavor and irresistible aroma, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies with your loved ones! ๐๐ช
