Sourdough Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup Crisco shortening
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sourdough starter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon or 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 -4 large egg yolks
• 5 teaspoons water
• food coloring
• 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

1. Cream together 1 cup Crisco shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup sourdough starter, and your choice of flavoring—1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract or 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract, along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the starter mixture until well blended.
4. If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut shapes.
6. Place the cut cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet, giving them space to spread.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the edges are very lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft.
8. Remove immediately from the oven and transfer cookies to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
9. For the egg-yolk paint, blend together 3-4 large egg yolks, 5 teaspoons water, desired food coloring, and 1 tablespoon corn syrup to sweeten. If using multiple colors, divide the mixture into small jars before adding the colors.
10. To make the icing, combine 3 large egg whites (at room temperature), 1 lb powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 7-10 minutes until the icing is ready to use. Keep the bowl covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.