Grandma Davis’ Classic Soft & Chewy Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

There are some recipes that transcend mere ingredients and instructions, becoming woven into the fabric of our lives. They’re more than just food; they’re cherished memories, comforting traditions, and a true taste of home. For me, Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies epitomize this sentiment entirely. While Grandma Davis isn’t my own grandmother by blood, her legendary sugar cookie recipe has firmly established itself as a beloved, non-negotiable part of my annual baking rituals.

Every year, as the leaves begin to turn and the festive season approaches, I find myself eagerly reaching for this well-loved recipe card. The anticipation of mixing, rolling, cutting, and baking these exceptional cookies fills my kitchen with a warmth that goes beyond the oven’s heat. It’s a tradition introduced to me by my dear friend, Tonja, whose own Grandma Davis crafted this perfect recipe. From the very first batch I made years ago, I knew this wasn’t just *any* sugar cookie recipe; it was a treasure, destined for a permanent spot in my holiday repertoire.

These cookies are consistently and reliably SO GOOD. They master that elusive balance, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is wonderfully soft, yet delightfully chewy. If your ideal sugar cookie is a perfectly frosted, beautifully cut-out treat that holds its shape with elegance while remaining incredibly tender on the inside, then congratulations—you have just discovered your new go-to recipe. Forget dry, crumbly cookies; these are a pillowy dream, a flawless canvas for a generous layer of sweet, creamy frosting and festive decorations.

The Enduring Charm of Classic Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies hold a uniquely special place in the culinary landscape, especially during the holiday season. Their delightful simplicity, universally appealing flavor, and the boundless opportunities for creative decoration make them an eternal favorite. However, as many bakers know, not all sugar cookie recipes are created equal. Many can unfortunately yield disappointing results – cookies that are dry, tough, or prone to excessive spreading, leaving bakers feeling deflated. Grandma Davis’ recipe, thankfully, rises above these common pitfalls. It consistently produces cookies that are wonderfully moist, packed with classic vanilla flavor, and possess that coveted soft-and-chewy texture that so many sugar cookie enthusiasts seek.

What truly elevates these cookies is their profound ability to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia. Each bite transports you back to cherished childhood Christmases, warm family gatherings, and the pure, unadulterated joy of homemade treats. They are perfect for every occasion: from bustling holiday cookie exchanges and thoughtful gifts for neighbors and loved ones, to a simple, comforting indulgence enjoyed with a steaming mug of hot cocoa by a crackling fireplace. The entire process of making them is almost as enjoyable and meditative as savoring the final product – the comforting aroma of vanilla permeating the kitchen, the gentle hum of the stand mixer, and the creative delight of decorating each unique shape.

Unlocking the Secret to Softness and Flavor: Key Ingredients & Expert Techniques

The culinary magic of Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies is found not only in the precise selection of ingredients but also in the meticulous balance and expert preparation techniques employed. Let’s explore the elements that contribute to this recipe’s consistent excellence:

Shortening vs. Butter: A Critical Choice for Texture

The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of shortening or butter, accompanied by the insightful personal note: “I usually use butter flavored Crisco.” This seemingly small detail is, in fact, incredibly significant. While pure butter is renowned for imparting a rich, incomparable flavor, shortening (especially the butter-flavored varieties) plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after softer, more tender cookie texture. Shortening also excels at helping cookies maintain their carefully cut shapes during baking, effectively preventing excessive spreading. Butter, with its lower melting point and higher water content, can sometimes lead to cookies that spread more and result in a flatter, crispier final product. Opting for shortening, or a butter-flavored shortening, offers the distinct advantage of combining that desirable soft texture with a delightful hint of buttery goodness, striking a perfect textural balance.

The Essential Role of Eggs and Vanilla for Richness

Four eggs might initially strike you as a generous quantity for a cookie recipe, but they are absolutely indispensable here. Eggs contribute significantly to the cookies’ richness, provide crucial moisture, and act as a powerful binding agent for the dough. They are key contributors to the characteristic chewiness and robust structure of these sugar cookies. When paired with 2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract, these liquid ingredients infuse the dough with that classic, warm, and inviting flavor profile that is synonymous with exceptional sugar cookies. Investing in a good vanilla extract will undoubtedly make a noticeable and worthwhile difference in the final taste experience.

Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt: The Structural Foundation

Five cups of all-purpose flour provide the necessary structural integrity, ensuring these cut-out cookies hold their form beautifully. Precision in measuring flour is paramount; a heavy hand can lead to dry, tough cookies, while too little flour might cause them to spread excessively and lose their definition. The 2 teaspoons of baking soda serve as the primary leavening agent, working diligently to create a light and airy texture without making the cookies overly cake-like. Finally, the 2 teaspoons of salt are not merely for seasoning; they are vital for expertly balancing the sweetness of the sugar and enhancing all the other delicate flavors present in the cookie, preventing any blandness and bringing out their full deliciousness.

The Crucial Step: Chilling the Dough Overnight for Superior Results

One of the non-negotiable, yet often tempting to skip, steps in Grandma Davis’ recipe is the overnight chilling of the dough. While it does require a bit of foresight and patience, this extended chilling period is absolutely critical for achieving several superior results:

1. **Prevents Spreading:** Chilled dough is significantly firmer. This firmness means that your meticulously cut-out shapes will hold up far better when introduced to the heat of the oven. The fats within the dough solidify, melting more slowly and allowing the cookie’s structure to set before any substantial spreading can occur. This ensures your cookies retain their sharp, delightful forms.
2. **Develops Deeper Flavor:** Resting the dough for an extended period allows ample time for the flour to fully hydrate and for all the distinct flavors within the dough to meld and deepen. This maturation process results in a more complex, nuanced, and ultimately more delicious cookie that tastes truly homemade.
3. **Ensures Easier Handling:** Cold dough is considerably less sticky and significantly easier to roll out and cut. This means you won’t need to incorporate excessive amounts of additional flour onto your work surface, which can inadvertently dry out the cookies and compromise their tender texture.

Do not be tempted to skip or shorten this vital chilling step! It is truly the secret weapon behind perfectly shaped, intensely flavorful, and wonderfully tender sugar cookies.

Baking to Perfection: The Golden Rule for Soft & Chewy Cookies

The baking process for these delicate sugar cookies is relatively quick and demands your full attention. Baking them at a precise 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 7 minutes is the ideal sweet spot. However, it’s crucial to remember that every oven is unique and can vary in temperature, so the most important instruction to adhere to is to “WATCH CLOSELY for them to be soft, you can’t let them brown.” This directive is paramount for successfully achieving that signature soft and chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible. Cookies that develop a golden-brown hue on their edges will inevitably become crispier, losing the tender, yielding quality we are so diligently aiming for. Your goal is to bake them just until they are barely set, perhaps with only the slightest hint of golden color on the very bottom, but remaining beautifully pale and soft on top.

The Finishing Touch: Frosting, Decorating, and Personalizing Your Cookies

Once your beautiful sugar cookies have completely cooled, they are ready for their crowning glory: the frosting! The original recipe thoughtfully suggests frosting them with a simple powdered sugar icing, which is always a classic and elegant choice. A basic powdered sugar glaze—made with powdered sugar, a touch of milk or water, and a splash of vanilla extract—works wonderfully for a thin, delicate coating that sets beautifully. However, if you’re envisioning something a bit more substantial, perhaps vibrant in color, or perfect for intricate piping, a rich buttercream frosting would also be an excellent complement.

The original recipe also includes a brilliant and practical shortcut: “Or… you can cheat like me. By plain classic white frosting in a can. Zap it in the microwave for a few seconds, and drizzle on your cookies.” This is an absolute game-changer for busy bakers or anyone looking to simplify the process without sacrificing deliciousness! To further elevate even store-bought vanilla frosting, as I frequently do, simply stir in a small amount of almond extract. This subtle yet impactful addition imbues the frosting with a wonderful depth of flavor that harmonizes exquisitely with the sugar cookies, making even a convenience product taste wonderfully homemade and exceptionally special. Don’t shy away from experimenting with various food colorings, an array of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even delicate piping designs to make your cookies truly festive, unique, and wonderfully personalized.

A Culinary Tradition Worth Cherishing and Passing Down

Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies are undeniably more than just a mere recipe; they are a delightful invitation to create and nurture lasting memories. Whether you’re baking them for a significant special occasion, as a comforting afternoon treat, or with the sole purpose of sharing a little joy with loved ones, the happiness and connection they bring are truly immeasurable. The simple, rhythmic act of rolling, thoughtfully cutting, carefully baking, and creatively decorating these cookies can swiftly transform into a cherished family tradition, one that can be lovingly passed down through generations, much like Tonja’s Grandma Davis shared hers with us.

So, gather your ingredients, set aside time for that absolutely essential overnight chill, and prepare to embark on a baking adventure that will culminate in the creation of the best soft and chewy frosted sugar cookies you have ever had the pleasure of tasting. You might just discover yourself, as I did, making these delightful cookies year after year, turning a friend’s grandmother’s recipe into a profoundly beloved and integral part of your very own culinary story. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked sugar cookies!

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Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies

Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies. The best sugar cookies around. This classic recipe delivers soft, chewy, and perfectly frosted cut-out sugar cookies, ideal for any occasion.

Prep Time
5 minutes mins

Cook Time
7 minutes mins

Additional Time
8 hours hrs

Total Time
8 hours hrs 12 minutes mins

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Sugar Cookies

Servings:
18 cookies

Calories:
395kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup shortening or butter I usually use butter flavored Crisco
• 2 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 t. vanilla
• 5 cups flour
• 2 t. baking soda
• 2 t. salt

Instructions

• Cream together shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, combine. Add the flour, salt and baking soda, mix well, form into a ball, cover and chill over night.
• Roll onto a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 7 minutes.
• WATCH CLOSELY for them to be soft, you can’t let them brown.
• Frost with powdered sugar icing.

Notes

Or… you can cheat like me. By plain classic white frosting in a can. Zap it in the microwave for a few seconds, and drizzle on your cookies.

The number of cookies can vary based on the size of the cutter you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 |
Calories: 395kcal |
Carbohydrates: 49g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 20g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g |
Cholesterol: 54mg |
Sodium: 425mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 22g