Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

Holidays, Christmas Cookies

Makes about 40

This recipe comes to me from my grandmother via my aunt. It produces a cakey, tender cookie with a lovely lemon scent. The shortening is critical to the proper texture of the cookie — you could replace some, but not all, with butter for flavor.

Ingredients #

1/2 c shortening
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 c sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp milk
2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions #

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large bowl, combine the shortening, salt, lemon zest and nutmeg. Add the sugar and beat until fluffy and light. Beat in the eggs and milk and mix until well combined. Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda together and add to the shortening mixture. Mix until just completely combined.

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with granulated sugar. Bake for 8-12 minutes.