Treats from Nana

As the holidays are quickly approaching, I have entered the world of aprons, flour in every crevice of my kitchen, and piles of dishes waiting to be washed; in other words: BAKING. Every year since I can remember my mom would bake all kinds of goodies from breads to cookies, and homemade chex mix to candies. There have always been traditional recipes that complete the holidays in our house. One of these recipes is my Nana's sugar cookies. They take some time and some love but are the best sugar cookies you will ever taste. My brother and I used to be solely in charge of cutting out the cookies, then frosting and decorating them. However, As I grow older, I have decided to take on the recipe in its entirety, and hand out these delicious cookies to neighbors and friends. Below is the recipe for you to make and create your own holiday tradition. Enjoy.


Nana’s Sugar Cookies


1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups sugar
3 eggs
3 ½ cups flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Cream softened butter and vanilla. Add sugar, gradually creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Sift dry ingredients in a separate bowl and then gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. Roll out the dough on a well floured surface, 1/8 to ¼ inch thick. Cut into shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 6-8 minutes or until slightly brown around the edges. Cool completely before icing.

Makes approx. 8 dozen cookies.


Sugar Cookie Icing


Warm a little milk and approx. 1 Tbls butter in a sauce pan on low. Add approx. 2 cups confectioner sugar and 1 capful of vanilla extract. Separate into small bowls and add food coloring. Make the icing thin enough to brush onto the cookies. You may need to add more milk to achieve the right consistency. Put colored sprinkles on as soon as you brush the icing on, while it’s still wet.


The finished product: