Sugar Cookies

Halloween just isn't Halloween to me without pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies! Here's our favorite family recipe. These have a "secret" ingredient to make them extra soft: sour cream. (Thank you Marysvale Cookbook published 1977 and Helen Gibbs!)

Old Fashioned Soft Sugar Cookies

3 1/4 c. flour
1/2 t baking soda
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. soft margarine (probably even better with butter)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 t. vanilla
Dash of nutmeg (optional)
1/2 c. sour cream

Sift together flour, soda, powder, and salt in large bowl. Combine margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Add sour cream, then flour mixture, gradually, while beating on medium speed about 2 minutes. Chill dough. Roll on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with floured cookie cutter. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Yum! I doubled this recipe to share with friends. I also like to take my butter frosting recipe and add cream cheese to the butter mixture. Cream cheese makes everything taste better, right?

My kids love to help with these- that's why mine look less than perfect. That's what the holiday is all about!