My youngest son, B, was a real baker as a little guy. He would have Christmas cookie exchanges with his teachers and friends’ moms. It was adorable! His “go to” recipe was pumpkin bread; it’s still my favorite quick bread and I miss helping him make it, because he hasn’t baked now for a long time. Recently, he came home from work a little rattled. He was driving a big piece of machinery and his boss John was following in his car. The problem was, John was following very close and B didn’t know he was back there. Yup, you guessed it … B backed up and hit John’s car. I’m not sure who was more apologetic, B or John. John insisted it was his fault but B felt really badly. When he got home, B asked if I could bake something for John. I had hoped to convince B to bake with me but with an active social life and a sweet girlfriend, there wasn’t time! So, I took the opportunity to try a new recipe … Brown Sugar Crinkles from Donna Frame of Montgomery Village, Maryland.

Brown Sugar Crinkles

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
6 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt

1.     In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture (the dough will be soft).

2.     Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2” apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar*. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

The brown sugar gives a slightly different twist on a traditional sugar cookie. They’re soft and wonderful with a nice cup of Irish Breakfast Tea.

*One thing … I found when I flattened the cookie with the glass, they were very flat and a bit crisp. Instead, I rolled the dough into a ball and rolled it through the sugar. This way, every bite has a nice sugary taste and texture.

What does Norma say about the Brown Sugar Crinkle cookies?

I LOVE these cookies! They have such a homey taste that never disappoints. The lovely buttery richness of brown sugar with a good hit of vanilla—soft in the middle, crispy on the outside. Mmmm 🙂

TEMPTATION LEVEL out of 10: Excuse me while I go see what Shelley’s doing right now—maybe she has time for a quick batch. A dreamy 10 out of 10!