Sunday, December 23, 2012

Two Dozen Sugar Cookies

Years ago I used to take a Saturday and bake up a storm..dozens of cookies and pumpkin bread would be filling containers and the freezer. Now a days not so much.

Yesterday..I managed two dozen sugar cookies and 8 small loaves of pumpkin bread.  I did get some laundry done..and a few other odds and ends.

My day didn’t start out great.  My computer was all goofy and a little dash was blinking on the screen. The problem ending up being a security update and the computer was having problems rebooting.  I was sure that it would have to go into the repair shop..but Far Guy researched the code and miraculously came up with a fix. It seems to be working fine now..knock on wood. 

His reward..Sugar Cookies.  They are soft and not at all crunchy.  He has been talking about sugar cookies in the shape of a tree with green frosting for the past week. Far Guy has a real problem with crunchy foods.  Crunchy foods are triggers for his Trigeminal Neuralgia, and makes his pain worse. I knew the soft Sugar Cookie recipe from Mary Lou was just what I was looking for.  Even if they dry out somewhat they will be good coffee dippers!

Cookies

I searched half the morning for the recipe.  I could have called Mary Lou..but she has Alzheimer's.  So I called my Mom and sure enough she had the recipe I was seeking.

Mary Lou’s Sugar Cookies

1 Stick of margarine..I used butter as I do not have margarine in the house

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

Cream first three ingredients together.

Add one egg and mix until fluffy

Then add 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil

1 teaspoons Vanilla

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Cream of Tarter

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

2 1/2 cup plus 1/8 cup flour.. a strange measurement I know..I cut the entire recipe in half because I didn’t want a huge batch of cookies.

I kinda rolled them out..I wanted them thick. My rolling pin is in some box upstairs..so I used what we have been using for years..the wooden dowel from inside an old paper towel holder.  It works.  I half squished the dough down ..and half rolled it out.

Baked them at 350 degrees for 11 minutes.

Then the frosting..I mixed up some powdered sugar, lemon juice and green food coloring.  I tried to swab some of it on with a spoon..it was taking forever..so I put the frosting in a baggie, cut a hole in a corner of the baggie and did an graphic kind of artsy fartsy squiggle.  As I was squiggling I thought..hmm..my squiggles kinda look like snakes..oh well perhaps that will keep me out of the cookie jar.

Mary Lou's Sugar Cookies

Yes, in my old age I use parchment paper..it makes the clean up so much easier and I haven’t managed to start any fires in my oven..yet:)

Blog Signature

21 comments:

Primitive Stars said...

Those cookies look so cute, and yummy......ya, not baking as much anymore either........Happy Holidays, Francine.

Rita said...

Mmmm boy do those cookies look good. I think the squiggles look artistic and add to the Christmas Tree look. I don't bake as much either. Each year I plan to but end up with one batch of cookies, 3 of candy. Next, year I have all kinds of plans for baking and making candy. :)

Irene said...

You baked more than I have baked in a long while and you must be quite good at it because those cookies look great. I can't eat them being gluten intolerant but I can admire them. Merry Christmas!

DJan said...

I think they look awfully good myself. I used to bake but then again I had lots of people to eat what I made. Now it's just the two of us and I we are both trying to keep our weight down. My eyes did take in the feast, though! :-)

Country Gal said...

They look yummy . I will have to try this recipe . Thanks for sharing . Have a wonderful day !

Country Gal said...

Just one question ? what is the powdered sugar you use ? we may call it a different name here is it icing sugar which is a powdered sugar ! Have a good day !

Muffy's Marks said...

I worship the ground the parchment paper inventor walks on!!! Your trees look good enough to eat!!! Merry Christmas to you and those you love.

Anonymous said...

They look delicious; thanks for the recipe. Merry Christmas wishes to you and yours.

Dreaming said...

I applaud your efforts! They look yummy from here, and I can't even smell them! I haven't made cookies in ages, but since I have extra egg whites from making Creme Brulee, I'm thinking I might make some meringues today. I hate the idea of throwing them away! Or... the egg white might be dumped in with eggs for breakfast.
Have a nice Sunday.... this year I feel like I have the holiday under control!

Gail said...

Mmmmmmmm, I can smell them. Beautiful too.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Hi Country Gal, Powdered Sugar is also called Confectioners Sugar or Icing Sugar. You will love this recipe! :)

Red said...

Super sugar cookies!
I can sadly tell you that getting the number of things done in a day really slides down! Some days you have to line me up with a post to see if I'm moving!

Beth said...

The cookies look Delicious. I love lemon anything so I would love the icing too.

MTWaggin said...

I like how you frosted them. I'm with Far Guy - no crispy sugar cookies for me - my recipe is handed down and always stays soft! I love it!!!!

RURAL said...

They are gorgeous, bright, and cheerful, and I bet they taste delish.

Stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year.

Snowy hearts are the best!

Jen

Shirley H. said...

HI:
I too have a TN problem so don't like crispy anything that reqires a lot of chewing. A hint for cooking soft meat: use the slow cooker (crockpot) and meat turns out nice and tender and is kinder to the jaws.

Nancy said...

Soft sugar cookies are excellent, especially when they are frosted. I'll try Mary Lou's recipe.

Merry Christmas to all gathered under your roof.

LindaG said...

They look great!
I don't think I've found my rolling pin yet...

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I have a great recipe using cream cheese....makes yummy, soft cutouts. Grankids love them.

Carol Ann

Jacqi Stevens said...

Hey! Age has nothing to do with it. My daughter has been using parchment paper since her early teens. And her parents are in total agreement with that. She hasn't burned the house down yet--and we've had some delicious treats over all these years!

Your trees look scrumptious. Looks like that recipe's a keeper.

Merry Christmas! :)

Lanny said...

I totally agree with parchement paper. I cut several sheets, spread them out on my counter top and fill them so that as soon as one batch comes out I slide paper and all onto the cooling rack and slide a new one on to the still hot stoneware and pop back in the oven quick and nice like. Love the artsy fartsy snakes!