Grandma Gertie's Heavenly Soft Sugar Cookies
Nothing brings back childhood memories quite like Grandma Gertie's Heavenly Soft Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats were a staple in our home and are sure to create moments of joy in yours. The generous use of sour cream gives these cookies a tender, pillowy texture that just melts in your mouth. Enhanced with rich almond extract and the warmth of vanilla, each cookie is a sweet and nostalgic journey. You can even switch things up by substituting lemon extract for a refreshing twist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply baking for the love of it, these cookies will have your family and friends asking for more. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy afternoon treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
2 cups (Softened)
sugar
2 cups (Granulated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
4 (Large, beaten)
sour cream
1/2 cup
baking soda
1 teaspoon
almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons
vanilla
1 tablespoon
flour
6 cups (All-purpose)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
4
Stir in the sour cream, baking soda, almond extract, and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined.
5
Gradually add the flour, 1 to 2 cups at a time, mixing until each addition is fully integrated and a soft dough forms.
6
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to round the dough into balls. Roll each ball in sugar to coat.
7
Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, then flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers may still look slightly soft; they will firm as they cool.
9
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with decorative sugars for an added festive touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Grandma Gertie's Heavenly Soft Sugar Cookies unique?
The unique, pillowy texture comes from the generous use of sour cream and shortening, combined with the rich flavors of almond and vanilla extracts.
What is the recommended oven temperature for these cookies?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How much shortening is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of softened shortening.
What type of sugar should I use in the dough?
You should use 2 cups of granulated sugar for the dough, plus extra for rolling and flattening.
Does this recipe require salt?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before adding to the mixture.
How much sour cream is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sour cream.
What is the purpose of sour cream in this recipe?
The sour cream provides a tender, soft, and pillowy texture that allows the cookies to melt in your mouth.
How much baking soda is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help the cookies rise correctly.
What amount of almond extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract.
How much vanilla is added to the cookies?
You should add 1 tablespoon of vanilla for a warm, sweet flavor.
Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavor?
Yes, you can substitute lemon extract for a refreshing twist instead of using almond extract.
What kind of flour is best for these sugar cookies?
The recipe specifies using 6 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
Start by creaming together the shortening and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should I incorporate the eggs?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
When do I add the baking soda and extracts?
Stir in the sour cream, baking soda, almond extract, and vanilla after the eggs are fully mixed in.
What is the best way to add the flour?
Gradually add the flour 1 to 2 cups at a time, mixing until each addition is fully integrated and a soft dough forms.
How do I shape the cookie dough?
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to round the dough into uniform balls.
Do I need to coat the cookies before baking?
Yes, roll each ball of dough in sugar until it is evenly coated.
How do I achieve the flat shape of the cookies?
Flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar.
How long should these cookies bake?
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden brown. Note that the centers may still look soft, as they firm up while cooling.
Should I cool the cookies on the baking sheet?
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
How do I finish cooling the cookies?
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely after their initial rest on the baking sheet.
Can I add decorative touches to these cookies?
Yes, you can sprinkle them with decorative sugars for a festive touch.
What occasions are these cookies best for?
They are perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a cozy afternoon treat.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic family favorite from Grandma Gertie.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 main ingredients: shortening, sugar, salt, eggs, sour cream, baking soda, almond extract, vanilla, and flour.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and follow classic creaming and mixing methods.