On July 9 we celebrate, National Sugar Cookie Day, a day to celebrate by baking and enjoying delicious sugar cookies with friends and family. That can be celebrated by plain or decorated with icing and sprinkles, it’s a perfect excuse to indulge in these classic treats!
In the past 1700’s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, sugar cookies were initially referred to as Nazareth Cookies by German Protestant settlers and baked in the shape of a keystone, their state’s symbol.
They are simple, sugar cookies are a popular treat frequently consumed on numerous different occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, and birthdays.
| 1700s (Birth of the Cookie) | German Protestant settlers in Pennsylvania create the round, crumbly, buttery cookie that comes to be known as the Nazareth Sugar Cookie. |
| 1930s (Cookies for Santa) | in the 1930s in the US it became popular to leave sugar cookies out for Santa as a thank you for the gifts you were about to get! |
| 2001 (It’s Official) | The Nazareth Sugar Cookie is named the official cookie of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. |
| 2015 (Pillsbury Sets World Record) | Pillsbury earns the world record for most cookies/biscuits iced in one hour, decorating a total of 1,169 sugar cookies. |
Recipe Guideline
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) cover the pan base with baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together and is smooth.
- Divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut out more cookies. Repeat until all the dough is used.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or leave them plain.
- Serve and enjoy your sugar cookies!
FAQs
What are the health benefits of National Sugar Cookies?
Sugar cookies provide enjoyment as a treat but offer minimal health benefits due to their high sugar and butter content, contributing to energy intake and enjoyment in moderation.
When do we celebrate national cookie day?
We do celebrate national cookies day on July 9 every year.
Also read more about, National Pecan Pie Day – July 12, 2024
