Frau Schmidt's Sugar Cookies Recipe

Frau Schmidt's Sugar Cookies have been a cherished recipe in my family for generations. It is said to have originated in Germany and was passed down through the generations. The recipe has evolved slightly over time, but the essence remains the same - delicious, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies.

Fun Fact: The name "Frau Schmidt" is a German term that translates to "Mrs. Schmidt." It is believed that this recipe was named after a skilled German baker who was known for her delectable sugar cookies.

Now, let's dive into the recipe to recreate these delightful treats!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup lard and butter, mixed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon soda (mix with a little sour milk)
- Vanilla flavoring
- Flour (enough to roll out the dough)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the lard and butter until well combined.

2. Add granulated sugar to the creamed mixture and continue to mix until smooth and fluffy.

3. Beat the eggs one at a time into the mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

4. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the teaspoon of soda in a little sour milk.

5. Add the sour milk mixture and vanilla flavoring to the mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.

6. Gradually add enough flour to the mixture to form a dough that can be rolled out. Do not overdo it with the flour, as the cookies may turn out dry. It's best to add the flour gradually until the dough reaches the desired consistency.

7. Flour a bake-board well to prevent the dough from sticking. Place the dough on the board and roll it out using a rolling pin. Aim for a thin, wafer-like consistency.

8. Preheat your oven to a rather quick temperature.

9. Using a cake cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into small round cakes. Alternatively, you can use cookie cutters to shape the cookies.

10. Place the cut-out cookies onto a greased or lined baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them to prevent sticking.

11. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary depending on your oven.

12. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Fun Fact: Frau Schmidt's Sugar Cookies were known for their long shelf life. In fact, Frau Schmidt was rumored to keep these cookies under lock and key to ensure they stayed fresh for an extended period.

For even better results, here's a pro tip: Prepare the cake dough one day in advance and allow it to stand overnight before rolling it out. This will make the dough easier to work with and the cookies will turn out even more delicate and thin.

Now that you've mastered the art of making Frau Schmidt's Sugar Cookies, here are a few similar recipe dishes you might enjoy:

1. Classic Shortbread Cookies: Similar to sugar cookies, shortbread cookies have a rich buttery taste and delicate texture. They are made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour and are usually cut into traditional shapes.

2. Snickerdoodle Cookies: Snickerdoodle cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. They are made with cream of tartar, which gives them their distinct tangy flavor.

3. Linzer Cookies: These sandwich cookies are made with a buttery almond dough and filled with fruity jam. They are usually cut into shapes with a small window on top to showcase the jam.

4. Gingerbread Cookies: Gingerbread cookies are a holiday favorite, known for their warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. They are often decorated with royal icing and shaped into festive designs.

Enjoy exploring these recipes and baking up a storm with Frau Schmidt's Sugar Cookies at the heart of your baking adventures!