Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe

If you have a soft spot for truly classic treats with a delightful crunch, then you are going to fall head over heels for the Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe. This charming recipe brings to life Grandma Prudy’s beloved thin and crispy cookies, delivering the perfect blend of buttery richness, a delicate crunch, and just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite is a nostalgic journey that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with family or savoring alongside a cold glass of milk. It’s the kind of cookie that makes you smile and keeps you coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe so special is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component works in harmony to create that signature thin, crispy texture and satisfying flavor. Let’s break down the essentials that will take your cookies to that perfect golden finish.

• 1 cup butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb; salted butter adds a subtle depth, but unsalted works fine too.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and contributes to the slight crunch on the cookie’s surface.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Balances the texture with smooth sweetness and helps achieve the delicate crispness.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and moist while helping the cookies bake up thin and crispy; light olive oil adds a hint of complexity.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely warm aroma and flavor that makes every bite comforting.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough, binding everything perfectly.
• 4 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that builds the cookie’s body; spoon and level for accurate measurement to keep cookies thin.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread just right and stay light.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and helps maintain the cookie’s crisp texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the wonderful flavors.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for smashing): Used to coat the glass for smashing dough balls, adding a sparkly crunch on top.
• Red Hots (optional): For a festive pop of color and a bit of spicy cinnamon fun on each cookie center.

How to Make Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by beating your softened butter for about two minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth. This little bit of air you incorporate now will make the base of your dough wonderfully tender. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom so every bit of butter gets whipped evenly.

Step 2: Add Sugars and Oil

Next, blend in your granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil. The combination of these sugars gives the cookies that perfect crispy exterior and marvelous crumb inside, while the oil keeps the dough moist enough to spread beautifully when baked.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Eggs

Here’s where the cookies start to sing—add your vanilla extract along with the eggs, beating until everything is completely smooth. Vanilla’s rich aroma brings the dough to life, while the eggs provide structure and softness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Measure your flour carefully by spooning and leveling to avoid adding too much, which could make the cookies thick. Stir together your flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt with a spoon, breaking up any lumps to ensure an even dough. Then add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Mix the flour mixture in just until the dough forms. Be gentle—overmixing will toughen your cookies, and nobody wants that. Scrape down those sides one last time and make sure everything is just incorporated.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep your cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly.

Step 7: Portion and Smash

Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to make small dough balls—this size is key to achieving Grandma Prudy’s signature thinness. Arrange them on your sheets with about 2 inches of space. Now here’s the fun part: wet the bottom of a flat glass, dip it into the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and gently press down on each ball to flatten them to about 1/4 inch thick. The sugar on the glass creates a subtly crunchy top layer as the cookies bake.

Step 8: Add Red Hots

If you want to add a little festive flair, pop a red hot candy right in the center of each cookie before baking. This optional step adds a sweet cinnamon kick that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and butter.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a light golden brown and the cookie centers lose their shine. The exact time depends on how thin you smashed the dough, so keep an eye—they can go from perfect to overdone pretty quickly.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly crispy and satisfyingly crunchy these turn out—classic comfort in cookie form.

How to Serve Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can give them a pretty boost by sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the top or adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Red hots already add that fun pop of color and spice, but a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also enhance the warm flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with these crisp treasures better than a simple glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. They are an ideal after-dinner treat or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. For a holiday twist, serve alongside spiced hot cider or a lightly whipped cream dip flavored with vanilla.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a lovely gift, or stack them on a pretty platter with a few sprigs of fresh greenery or cranberries for holiday parties. You can also sandwich two cookies with a light spread of cream cheese frosting or fruit jam for an elegant bite-sized dessert variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep their crispness best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay perfect for up to one week, making them a great make-ahead treat for parties or snack time.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, place completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to three months. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn and maintain their delightful texture.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch, heat the cookies briefly in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the crispy texture without drying them out, letting you enjoy them as if they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Unsalted butter is perfectly fine in this Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe. Just be sure to include the kosher salt as mentioned to balance out the flavors.

Why is cream of tartar used in this recipe?

Cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps stabilize the cookies, keeping them thin and crispy rather than cakey. It’s an old-fashioned ingredient that really brings that classic texture to life.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?

You can use light olive oil as Grandma Prudy does, which adds a lovely depth. Other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil will work too, but avoid strongly flavored oils as they can overpower the cookie’s buttery vanilla goodness.

What’s the best way to measure flour for these cookies?

For the most accurate results, spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This prevents packing too much flour, which can make cookies dry and thick instead of thin and crisp.

Can I skip smashing the dough balls with sugar?

While you could skip this step, the smashing with sugar-coated glass is essential to get those thin cookies with the perfect crunch and a beautifully sparkly top. It’s a little extra step that really elevates the final result.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about this Crispy Sugar Cookie Recipe (Grandma Prudy’s Thin and Crispy Cookies) Recipe that feels like a warm, familiar hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies are sure to become an instant favorite. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be your go-to crunchy treat all year round. Get your apron on and give Grandma Prudy’s timeless recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print