There’s something magical about a cookie recipe passed down through generations especially one as timeless as Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies. These delicate, buttery treats are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy weekend, or just because (let’s be real do we need an excuse for cookies?), this recipe will transport you straight to Grandma’s warm kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
It sounds like you’re describing the key qualities of a classic cookie recipe, possibly sugar cookies, shortbread, or snickerdoodles.
- Simple, classic ingredients – This emphasizes pantry-friendly staples like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, making the recipe easy and approachable.
- Perfect texture – Describes an irresistible contrast between crispy edges and a soft, chewy or tender center, which is key for a great cookie.
- Versatile and fun – Suggests customization options like sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate for added variety.
- Nostalgic and heartwarming – Highlights the emotional connection, evoking memories of homemade treats and family traditions.
Ingredients Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
- Granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- Powdered sugar
- Egg
- Butter, softened
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cream of tartar
(Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!)
How to Make Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
- Preheat & Prep – Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Sugars & Wet Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape & Roll – Roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Gently roll each one in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Flatten & Bake – Lightly press each cookie with a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.
- Cool & Enjoy – Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Now, the hardest part: waiting long enough before taking that first bite!
Baking Tips for the Best Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Chill for a Chewier Cookie – If you prefer a chewier cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Add a Twist – Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a fancy touch.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven – Since every oven bakes a little differently, check your cookies around the 8-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
Serving & Storing These Classic Cookies
How to Serve: These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters or bake sales.
Make Ahead & Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Want to save some for later? Freeze the cookie dough balls, unbaked, for up to 3 months. Just thaw slightly before baking!
Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Lightly press each cookie with a fork or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
A Sweet Memory from My Kitchen
Every time I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of my childhood in Grandma’s kitchen. She always let me roll the dough in sugar (the best part!), and we’d sit together with warm cookies fresh from the oven. Now, I make them with my own kids, passing down the same joy and tradition. These cookies aren’t just a recipe they’re a piece of family history, wrapped in sugar and love.
FAQ Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
What is the difference between shortbread cookies and sugar cookies?
Shortbread cookies are rich, buttery, and crumbly, made with just butter, sugar, and flour no leavening, so they have a dense, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sugar cookies, on the other hand, have eggs and a leavening agent like baking powder or cream of tartar, giving them a lighter, softer texture with a bit of chew.
What is a Nazareth sugar cookie?
The Nazareth sugar cookie is believed to be the first American sugar cookie, originating in the 1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It’s a simple, buttery cookie with a slightly crisp edge and a soft center, often shaped with cookie cutters. This early version set the foundation for the sugar cookies we know and love today!
Why put cream of tartar in sugar cookies?
Cream of tartar is a secret weapon in sugar cookies! It adds a slight tang, enhances flavor, and most importantly keeps the cookies soft and chewy by preventing sugar from crystallizing too much. That’s what gives them that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Are sugar cookies supposed to be soft or hard?
That depends on the style! Traditional sugar cookies can be soft and chewy or crisp and snappy depending on the recipe. If you love softer cookies, look for recipes with more butter and a bit of cream of tartar. If you prefer them crisp, roll them thinner and bake them a little longer.
Should you chill sugar cookies before baking?
Yes! Chilling the dough prevents spreading, which helps cookies hold their shape especially important for cut-out cookies. It also enhances the flavor by letting the ingredients meld together. A quick 30-60 minute chill in the fridge can make a big difference!
How do you make cookies soft and not hard?
A few tricks help keep sugar cookies soft:
Don’t overbake – Take them out when the edges are just set.
Use brown sugar – It adds moisture and chewiness.
Add cornstarch – A tiny bit makes them extra tender.
Store with a slice of bread – The bread keeps them soft longer without making them soggy.
What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?
Moisture-retaining ingredients like brown sugar, honey, or cornstarch work wonders. Another secret? A touch of cream cheese or sour cream in the dough keeps cookies incredibly soft for days!
What is the secret to a crunchy cookie?
For crispier cookies, try these tricks:
Use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar (brown sugar holds moisture).
Roll the dough thinner so it bakes up crisp.
Bake a little longer at a lower temperature to dry them out slightly.
Add a bit more butter for a rich, crispy texture.
What is the best temperature to bake cookies?
Most cookies bake best at 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for even baking hot enough to set the edges while keeping the center soft. If you want chewier cookies, bake at 325°F for a little longer. For crispier cookies, go for 375°F to get a golden, snappy finish.
Conclusion Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
There’s nothing quite like Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies simple, sweet, and full of love. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting your own, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake up some joy!