Grandma's Amish Sugar Cookies

From: Marge
Date: 2/20/01 8:57:24

Okay, for the cookie recipe. I have several versions, this one is the hands down best. You HAVE to have a pinch of salt in something sweet to really bring out the sweetness but not overdo it. The cream of tarter makes them crisper I believe.

1 cup of butter (2 sticks - NO oleo)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of oil
2 eggs at room temperature

Beat butter & sugars together till fluffy, slowly mix in the oil & eggs.

Sift:
4 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp salt
2 generous tsp of vanilla

Blend in dry ingredients till mixed. May need chilling on a hot day. Roll in tablespoon sized balls and press with a glass or cookie press dipped in sugar. Bake at 325 till barely brown - 12 minutes approximately. Cool on a rack, store in an airtight tin - keeps in a cool place for a month.

Alternatives I can personally attest are good:

Add zest of 1/2 lemon
4 or 5 TBS of poppy seeds
Always zest the citrus over the mixing bowl, the oils that are often released are very flavorful and scented.

OR
Eliminate the vanilla and use almond extract, 1 cup of finely ground almonds

OR
Add zest of one orange

OR
Or 1 cup finely ground TOASTED pecans

Marge