Simple Sugar Cookies

Holiday baking is awesome! And the weekend is the perfect time to venture into some classic cookie recipes.  The only problem with baking, i.e. for college students, is that frequently additional (or special) equipment is needed which can be costly if you are not baking a lot.
Unfortunately, the sad truth is that if you are looking to fill your apartment with aromas of Christmas and holidays, cookies, sugars and spice...you will likely need (at least) a hand-held mixer in most holiday baking activities!

And you might as well consider one if you plan to do any cooking and baking long-term. Try to invest in a decent one which will last for several years with moderate use such as the 7-Speed Kitchen Aid Handmixer--compact, small, versatile.

In the interim,  if you don't have one...see if you can borrow one from a friend or neighbor until you can ask Santa to put it under the tree!  

So many good recipes are waiting to be made like this one adapted from Ree Drummond's first cookbook 'The Pioneer Woman Cooks'.  These cookies are light, buttery crisps of goodness that melt in your mouth. Almost anyone would love to have you drop them off with the coupon above!  

Make a batch. Wrap them up. Print my free coupon above. Write a note. And..surprise someone today! For no good reason other than 'doing good'! Make someone smile today!

Simple Sugar Cookies

Equipment:

Mixing bowl
Cookie sheets
Handmixer
Spatula
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Ingredients:

2 large eggs
2 sticks (1/2 pound) of butter, softened
1 cup canola / vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar plus some for sprinkling
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla
4 cups of flour plus 2 Tbls
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar (this comes in a small container)
1-2 tsp Orange or lemon zest (my suggestion and optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
3. Use a handmixer to cream the butter before adding sugars, eggs, oil and vinegar.

4. Add the salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Add the zest here as well if you use it.

5. Begin adding the flour one cup at a time and mix well before adding the next cup.

6. Add the 2 Tbls of flour.
7. Once all ingredients are combined, cover and refrigerate for one hour.

8. Use a tablespoon to place golf-ball size dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

9. Use a flat greased flat surface (or your palm) to roughly flatten the cookie balls.

10. Sprinkle with sugar.
11. Bake x 9-10 minutes until just beginning to brown.