Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (2024)

by Holly | Christmas

I’ve been told I have an old soul. I love all things vintage and old-fashioned, whether it’s clothing, ideals, or recipes. My Grandma Charlotte passed at Christmas time when I was a baby. It was hard on my Mom, but we made her sugar cookie recipe every year to honor her memory. This is the REAL DEAL. It’s not some fancy-schmancy dough in a bag that is artificially made to create the most perfect Martha-Stewart-Pin-Worthy cookies. It’s old-timey dough and an old-timey recipe.

My Mom and I would listen to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and dance in the kitchen as we made cookies. The memories are so fond. Grandma Charlotte, her Mother, passed away at Christmas the year I was born, so it’s always been a bittersweet time in our home. This is one of the only pictures we have of me and Grandma Charlotte.

Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (2)

Grandma Charlotte’s cookies best made with vintage cookie cutters.

I will warn you, it’s a cantankerous dough so you may have to talk to it, beg, curse at it or encourage it to behave. It’s also an overnight dough, so you have to actually plan to make the sugar cookie recipes. You can’t just have a free afternoon and say oh let’s make cookies.

When I was a kid, I often got to invite a friend over to help me decorate the cookies. Or have Daddy help.

We have passed down the tradition and before I had to go gluten free, Stepson would help to make and decorate the cookies. He invited a friend over, and the carnage began!

These cookies take some effort, but are totally worth it. Wouldn’t these cookies be great to serve on this adorable Mrs. Claus Cookie Co tray with a glass of (vegan) milk and a seasonal straw?

Psst… want beautiful Scripture + Gratitude printables to celebrate the beauty of the Advent Season? Click below…

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I know we are all super busy, and everyone is looking for a quick and easy sugar cookie to make. Got it. But I think it’s more important to preserve our family traditions and preserve our past.

I know these cookies are going to end with me, especially now since I have to eat gluten free and can’t make them anymore. So humor me here and appreciate the history and memories.

Organic Sugar

Rolling Pin

Cookie Cutters

Ceramic Baking Sheet

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For all of you baking purists, click on the recipe photo for a new webpage and printable recipe.

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Love, hugs and making crumbs. And memories.

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  1. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (11)

    Susanon December 4, 2013 at 9:36 am

    I love sharing traditions that have been passed down through families. It’s what make Christmas so special. I’ll have to give Grandma Charlotte’s sugar cookies a try this year. (love the younger you photo!)

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (12)

      Hollyon December 5, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Susan – Oh I was such the 80’s girl! The taste of these cookies is unlike any other sugar cookie I’ve ever tried. Hugs, Holly

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (14)

      Hollyon December 5, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Corinne – Thank you and not sure if these cookies will leave a legacy beyond me, but I’ll try! Hugs, Holly

  2. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (15)

    Bonnie Wolffon December 4, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    Holly, your Grandmother, Charlotte would be so happy and proud that you are carrying on the tradition of making Christmas Cut-Out Cookies. Lots of fond memories. Mom

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (16)

      Hollyon December 5, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      Hi Mom, Lots of fun dancing in the kitchen to rockin around the Christmas tree! LYB, Holly

  3. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (17)

    Carol Cookon December 7, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    I remember having those same cookie cutters and making sugar cookies with my mother. I wonder where her cookie cutters ended up?

    It is raining today (a rare thing on our part of the California coast) and since we can’t cut down our tree today, I think sugar cookies will be our activity. Your recipe sounds good because of the sour cream. Although, I don’t like the sound of a cantankerous dough.

  4. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (18)

    Cindyon December 7, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    What a sweet post. Love hearing about people’s traditions and the things that make Christmas special.
    Cindy

  5. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (19)

    Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemonon December 7, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    So glad you are keeping up the memory. I just discovered a few of my grandmother and mother’s recipes. I was thrilled.

  6. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (20)

    Annetteon December 7, 2013 at 11:31 pm

    Your story brought tears to my eyes. And also totly fraked me out. Lol. I also had a Grandma Charlott that i lost very young. My mother, little rotber an i would make her recipe everyyear in honor of her while jamming to christmas tunes. I just made the recipe today and was telling my 4 year d sone the same story you share with your children. Very odd an neat at the same time. My dough is chilling waiting for tomorrow.
    And then to top it off, lol. To the woman named Corinne who commented…. My grandma Charlott has a daughter named Corinne. My awesome Aunt

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (21)

      Hollyon December 9, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      Hi Annette – Oh my goodness we are sisters at heart with all of these connections. Thanks so much for sharing your special story and thanks for visiting. Good luck with your cookies! Hugs, Holly

  7. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (22)

    Kristina & Millieon December 8, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Brings back lovely memories. Thank you for sharing on Snickerdoodle Sunday!

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (23)

      Hollyon December 9, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Kristina and Millie – You are never too old to make sugar cookies! Hugs, Holly

  8. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (24)

    Maria Angeliqueon December 9, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I love recipes like this. I actually have two sugar cookie recipes: one for when I want Martha Stewart like cookies and my grandma’s which uses lard! lol. Thank you for sharing your memories!

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (25)

      Hollyon December 9, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Maria – Oh I’m totally with you! The “Martha Stewart cookie recipe” comes out for company LOL! Hugs, Holly

  9. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (26)

    Bette @ Somerset LAneon December 9, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Oh what a great story. I’d love for you to share your post on our Christmas Cookie party. http://www.somersetlaneblog.com

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (27)

      Hollyon December 9, 2013 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Bette – Thank you so much for the invitation! Can’t wait to party with you. Hugs, Holly

  10. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (28)

    Cynthiaon December 10, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you next week.

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (29)

      Hollyon December 11, 2013 at 7:19 am

      Hi Cynthia – Thanks so much and thanks for hosting! Hugs, Holly

  11. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (30)

    Kathyon December 11, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    Wonderful, sentimental post! Sugar cookies are the best! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thrusday,
    Kathy

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (31)

      Hollyon December 11, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Hi Kathy – These are very special sugar cookies… and pretty good to eat too! Hugs, Holly

  12. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (32)

    Lisa @ Helene's Legacyon December 12, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Love this post! I’ve featured at in tomorrow’s Everyday Vintage party — thanks for sharing 🙂

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (33)

      Hollyon December 12, 2013 at 12:59 pm

      Hi Lisa, Oh my goodness, thank you so much. Tomorrow is the anniversary of Grandma Charlotte’s untimely passing so I know my Mother will be grateful of your kind gesture. Hugs, Holly

  13. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (34)

    Beccaon December 12, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Congrats! You will be featured on Friday’s Five Features over on DIY Vintage Chic. Stop by tomorrow and grab yourself a button!

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (35)

      Hollyon December 12, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Hi Becca – I am so thrilled and honored, thank you so much. It’s the anniversary of Grandma Charlotte’s passing so what a wonderful way to honor her legacy. Hugs, Holly

  14. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (36)

    LaKitaon December 4, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    How Lovely! I have some of those same cookie cutters and they belonged to my grandmother. I love using tried and true recipes.

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (37)

      Hollyon December 5, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      Hi Lakita – Oh how wonderful that you have your Grandmother’s cookie cutters! I love being able to carry on her tradition every year. Thanks so much for stoping by to share and happy holidays to you! Hugs, Holly

  15. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (38)

    Evgenia (Shill O'POP)on December 5, 2014 at 11:50 pm

    Traditions make Christmas so special! Wonderful, sentimental post!

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (39)

      Hollyon December 8, 2014 at 6:34 am

      Hi Evgenia – Thanks so much for stopping by! We are certainly a very sentimental family! Hugs, Holly

  16. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (40)

    Kat Ryanon December 16, 2014 at 10:54 pm

    These look AMAZING!!!!! Can’t wait to try them

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (41)

      Hollyon December 17, 2014 at 7:35 am

      Hi Kat – I hope you enjoy them! They are very old fashioned, but worth the tradition! Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Hugs, HOlly

  17. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (42)

    Jeannineon December 17, 2014 at 8:09 am

    Holly I love this post! I also use my great-grandmother’s cookie cutters. Every year my Mother and I set out on making cookies identical to yours.

    This year is tough, due to timing, but also the fact my Mom is suffering from Demensia. I wanted to continue the tradition but it has been an emotional trip for me. I kept going back and forth with It wouldn’t be the same. Do I do it for the sake of saying we have never missed a year or let it pass one year. I am happy to say, your photos and post have given me the umpfh I needed to just do it. Even if it isn’t the same, it is memories good and bad, and more importantly I can’t wait to have them for myself.

    I found you on Hit Me With Your Best Shot Link Party.

    Thanks! – Jeannine

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (43)

      Hollyon December 19, 2014 at 6:21 am

      Hi Jeannine – Thank you so much for stopping by to share your story! This time of year can be difficult when we are dealing with illness or the loss of loved ones and I’m so glad to have helped you find your inspiration. Christmas blessings to you and your family. Hugs, Holly

  18. Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (44)

    Carleeon December 5, 2015 at 8:01 am

    This is exactly the way we grew up decorating our sugar cookies! My mom, grandma and I (and whichever aunts were available) would get together for the big day. It was always one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Now I usually ice my cookies, but I need to make a batch like this for good time sake!

    • Grandma Charlotte's Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Recipe - Pink Fortitude, LLC (45)

      Hollyon December 9, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Hi Carlee – Thank you for sharing your sweet memories! These cookies are definitely more about the love and memories but they are so worth it to make. It’s always been tradition when I was growing up and now with my Stepson and friends’ kids to help decorate. Hopefully they will share the same memories some day. Hugs, Holly

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FAQs

How to make store bought sugar cookie dough taste homemade? ›

Here are some easy switches you can make to upgrade your cookie mix and give it a homemade taste.
  1. Butter Instead of Margarine. ...
  2. Substitute margarine or shortening for butter using a 1:1 ratio. ...
  3. Coconut Oil Instead Of Other Fats. ...
  4. Maple Syrup Instead Of Granulated Sugar. ...
  5. Vanilla Extract. ...
  6. Almond Extract. ...
  7. Rum and Ginger. ...
  8. Cheesecake.

Who makes Lofthouse cookies? ›

Founded in 1994, Lofthouse Foods primarily produces cookies that are sold to the in-store bakeries of major U.S. grocers and mass merchandisers. Ralcorp acquired Lofthouse in January 2002. ConAgra acquired Lofthouse as part of its acquisition of Ralcorp in 2013.

What happens if you don t refrigerate sugar cookie dough before baking? ›

Popping your dough in the fridge allows the fats to cool. As a result, the cookies will expand more slowly, holding onto their texture. If you skip the chilling step, you're more likely to wind up with flat, sad disks instead of lovely, chewy cookies. Cookies made from chilled dough are also much more flavorful.

Do you need to chill sugar cookie dough before baking? ›

Chilling the dough is a key step in making sugar cookies, especially when you're making cut-outs. Even if you're tight on time, make sure to get the dough in the fridge, or even the freezer, even if it's only for a little while. Skip this step, and the dough will be sticky, and much harder to work with.

What is the name of the Walmart sugar cookies? ›

Original Lofthouse Cookie (Copycat Recipe)

Look no further! These cookies are super soft, cakey and perfectly sweet, just like the Lofthouse cookies you remember. No sourcream, the secret is in the cake flour!

Why are they called Jesus cookies? ›

She found a delicious recipe for gluten-free “Jesus cookies.” My daughters call those really puffy, soft sugar cookies with lots of icing and sprinkles you find in the grocery store “Jesus cookies” because they seemed to get them during Sunday School A LOT.

Who makes cookies for Starbucks? ›

Since January 2016, Starbucks has been featuring cookies from Michel et Augustin in all of their US stores.

How do you upgrade premade sugar cookie dough? ›

Almond Extract: For a twist on the traditional sugar cookie flavor, try adding a small amount of almond extract. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your preference. Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or lime into the dough. The zest adds a bright and refreshing flavor.

How do you make store-bought cookies taste fresh? ›

All you have to do is pop it in the oven for one minute at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and your cookie should already taste better than when you bought it. Not only will it be warm and smell delicious, but any chocolate chips should be slightly melted, making for a gooier cookie.

How do you spice up store-bought sugar cookies? ›

Yes, you can make your store-bought sugar cookies more indulgent by adding decadent ingredients. Try mixing in chunks of chocolate, white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips for a rich and gooey texture. You can also swirl in caramel or dulce de leche for an extra burst of sweetness.

How do you use store-bought sugar cookie dough for cutouts? ›

Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on work surface. Cut out desired shapes using floured 2- to 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 11 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

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