Description
Classic Sand Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a subtle vanilla flavor and a hint of chocolate chips for added sweetness. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing at any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- ½ pound (2 sticks) margarine, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ bag miniature chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Beat margarine and sugar: Beat margarine and sugar together for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
- Dissolve baking soda: Dissolve the baking soda in vinegar completely and stir this into the margarine and sugar mixture. This reaction helps make the cookies tender.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract evenly to infuse the dough with a fragrant vanilla aroma.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour until the dough is well combined and smooth, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture delicate.
- Fold in chocolate chips: If desired, gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Drop dough on sheets: Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them to avoid spreading together while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 30 minutes, until the edges are just set and the cookies have a tender texture.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, allowing them to firm up perfectly.
Notes
- Using margarine gives a softer texture, but butter can be substituted for a richer flavor.
- Do not grease the cookie sheets; ungreased pans help achieve the desired texture and prevent spreading.
- Baking at a low temperature makes these cookies tender and prevents them from browning too much.
- The optional chocolate chips add sweetness and texture but can be omitted for a more traditional flavor.
- Ensure not to overbeat the flour into the dough to maintain a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
