Aileen's Mom's Soft Sugar Cookies 🍪✨

Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these soft sugar cookies, a timeless classic from Aileen's family kitchen. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon treats, or any celebration, these cookies are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. With a tangy twist from the sour cream and a hint of nutmeg, each bite is soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! Pair these with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for the ultimate snack time experience. 🥛🍵

Ingredients

For the cookie dough

• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 8 oz sour cream
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

For topping

• Granulated or colored sugar
• Walnut halves (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter, and salt together until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg yolks and whole eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water, then add it to the butter mixture along with the sour cream.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and nutmeg; gradually add this to the wet mixture.

🌡️ Note: The dough will be quite sticky! Don't worry; it's supposed to be that way.

5. Once combined, cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for the best texture.

6. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled dough out on a well-floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-1/2" round or your favorite decorative shapes.

7. Sprinkle the cut shapes with granulated or colored sugar. If you're feeling extra fancy, top plain round cookies with a walnut half!

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies are set but not browned.

9. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

⏱️ Remember: For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the cookies. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!

Yields

• Approximately 7-1/2 dozen cookies – perfect for sharing (or not! 😉)!

Variations

• Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm spice twist.
• Frosted Cookies: Once cooled, ice them with your favorite frosting and top with sprinkles!
• Zesty Lemon Cookies: Incorporate lemon zest and use lemon juice instead of sour cream for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Now you're ready to bake memories with Aileen's cherished soft sugar cookies! Enjoy every bite! 🍪❤️