Nanny’s Sugar Cookies
Submitted by Chaya Leah Bruk
My great-grandmother lived in Missouri, she was a true southern woman. Church on Sundays, a strong southern drawl and the ONLY ONE allowed in the kitchen. However, whenever we would go to visit, she would sneak me and my brother into the kitchen with her, not letting anyone else in. She would tie an apron around us and hand us supplies to put on the table to get baking. After pulling out the same big, reddish ceramic bowl, the three of us would bake these cookies together and had so much fun doing so. I think what made it so special was knowing she does not let anyone in the kitchen and we were given VIP access. My father later told me that his father used to bake with Nanny as well and once my father was old enough, him and his brother did as well. They also used the big, heavy ceramic bowl. It was used with Nanny’s kids, grandkids and great grandkids. I was really close with my great grandmother, we were pen pals for years. After she passed away, this memory was one that I really held onto, whenever I make these cookies I think of her, and how I want to create those same memories with my kids god willing as well as grandkids and great grandkids.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup soft shortening (part butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups sifted flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla thoroughly and set aside.
- Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, and gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out ⅛” thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with sugar and bake for 6-8 minutes (until golden brown).
