Momma’s Sugar Cookies.
I’ve had this post in draft form for 6 years. It just never seemed right to share because I didn’t think I could do the writing or the photography justice to convey how special this is for me. Let me say, I still don’t think I’ve done the photography justice, not really possible, it was taken with shaky hands, I just needed to do this for me. It’s taken me an entire week to cook and shoot because, as the title implies, this is my Momma’s recipe. I’m still missing her beyond belief. This is my first Christmas without her. It’s been a year of firsts without her. They’ve all stung.
I finally understand what it means when people say to remember those hurting and/or alone during the holidays. Growing up, I was aware of this, because my Mom was a natural mother hen. She would always invite people over (mostly the stray Air Force personnel) that didn’t have family, either at all, or close by and they couldn’t get home for the holidays. It was something we just got used to. Having extra people at the house.
There was always room at her table. Always. I was aware, but didn’t fully understand what it meant to feel that way until now. I used to love Christmas. This year it’s just,well, different. I’m trying to find joy in the little things, and making these cookies was one of them.
It’s a cookie I’ve eaten every holiday season my entire life. One I’ve made with her so many times I can’t count. They’re soft and chewy with a hint of vanilla. Vanilla extract that I make myself.
I like my cookies on the thicker side for a better cookie to icing ratio. You can make them as thick or thin as you’d like. Obviously the quantity you get will depend on the thickness you choose and the size of the cookie cutters you use.
Also, I am NOT a cookie decorator. These are perfectly imperfect and I’m okay with that. They are, however, delicious. I used Sweetopia’s Royal Icing Recipe. It has never failed me.
Now if only I could decorate like she does (dare to dream). I can, however, bake cookies. They just look like they were decorated by middle schoolers. We can’t win them all now can we. We can have cookies though.
Momma’s Sugar Cookies
Perfectly imperfect. Just like me. Why not consider, baking and sharing some cookies this month. It’s something so small, yet incredibly meaningful.
Momma’s Sugar Cookies
Momma's Cut Out Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter - room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs - room temperature
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 6 cups all purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Into your stand mixer add butter and mix until butter is creamy.
- Gradually add in sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs one at at time. Add vanilla and GRADUALLY sift in flour and salt. Mix until a stiff dough forms.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours (or until firm).
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to desired thickness.
- Cut out with cookie cutters. Place cookies onto rimmed baking sheets lined with silpat or parchment paper.
- Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cookies. Typically it's 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, you don’t want them to burn.
- Transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Once cooled completely, ice and decorate.
Jamie | The Kitchenarium says
Thank you for sharing your mother’s recipes, Paula. This way your mother will be at so many other people’s table this holiday season. <3
DeeDee says
Beautiful tribute. Broke my heart reading it. My mama is now 81 and slowing down. I can’t imagine life without her. The first year, they say, is the most difficult. I hope you find comfort in all your wonderful memories, and recipes.
DeeDee says
P.S. Your cookies look awesome!
Victoria says
I am sorry about your Mom not being here for Christmas…but you have her with you in your heart. This is my 5th Christmas without my sweet mother and it still stings, especially this time of year. She was a real Christmas girl! She and a friend or two used to get together and bake about 15 or more kinds of cookies and goodies, then share them so everyone had a nice variety for the holidays.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will think of you and your mom when I bake them.
Elizabeth | Take On E says
What a magnificently touching post. My heart goes out to you. Thank you so much for sharing this “draft” after six years! I hope it helps with the healing process.
Marian (Sweetopia) says
I love these Paula! Thank you for using my icing, I’m glad you like it! I’m sorry to hear about your mom (I’m just getting back to the blogging world after a bit of a hiatus), and I’m sending you a big hug! xo