Name: Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp Baking soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Cream of tartar; 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (plus additional for rolling); 1/2 cup Powdered sugar; 1 large Egg; 1/2 cup Butter, softened (at room temperature); 1/2 cup Vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

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Creamy, buttery, and lightly crisp on the edges—Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies are the kind of comfort cookie that makes the whole kitchen smell like a warm hug. These simple, tender cookies have a delicate crackle and a melt-in-your-mouth center that kids and adults both reach for first. Fun fact: many Irish households have their own cookie twist passed down through generations, so every batch almost feels like you’re honoring family tradition.

This recipe is perfect when you want a quick, reliable treat that’s family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. If you want a longer, more decorated version for holidays, see our detailed take in this post Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies recipe for ideas and variations. Read on—these cookies are simple to make, fast to prepare, and impossible not to love.

What is Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies?

Why call them “Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies”? Maybe because they’re sentimental, maybe because they’re slightly old-fashioned and perfectly dependable—just like a grandmother’s recipes tend to be. Who decided to call them Irish? Was it the dash of nostalgia or a cheeky nod to family Sunday tea? Whatever the origin, these cookies are proof that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Could there be a more charming claim to fame than a cookie that evokes cozy family stories and buttered memories? Try them and see if they don’t become your new family classic.

Why You’ll Love This:

Irresistible texture: soft and tender inside with a lightly crisped edge that yields to a buttery center—every bite is comforting and satisfying.
Cost-saving homemade classic: pantry-friendly ingredients and no fancy equipment make these budget-friendly and perfect for last-minute baking.
Flavorful simplicity: vanilla and butter shine with just the right sugar coating to create that nostalgic, slightly crunchy exterior that pairs beautifully with tea or milk.

If you like the buttery simplicity of these cookies, you might enjoy our slightly more decadent brown sugar pop tart cookies for a richer, caramel-like twist brown sugar pop tart cookies. Ready to bake? These are an easy win for bakers at any level.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is quick, forgiving, and wonderfully straightforward. You’ll be creaming butter with sugars, combining simple dry ingredients, forming dough balls, rolling them in sugar, and baking for just 10–12 minutes. The result is a soft-centered cookie with a delicate sugar-crusted exterior. Prep time is about 10–15 minutes and baking is 10–12 minutes per batch.

Ingredients

1/2 cup granulated sugar plus additional for rolling
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter, softened (room temperature)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes for best results.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter looks smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Make sure there are no lumps.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Pour additional granulated sugar into a small bowl and roll each ball until coated.
Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass so they remain thick but even.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops show a subtle crackle.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies

What to Serve With:

A classic pairing is a warm cup of black tea or a mug of steamed milk for afternoon tea-time comfort.
Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the buttery cookie.
For a dessert plate, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Coffee or cold brew works well if you prefer a bold, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet cookie.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Ingredient swaps: You can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep an eye on texture and add a tablespoon of milk if the dough feels dry.
Butter temperature: Use softened butter, not melted—room-temperature butter traps air when creamed with sugar and gives lift.
Rolling sugar: For a more pronounced sparkle, use coarse sugar for rolling; for a finer crust, stick with granulated sugar.
Don’t overbake: Remove from oven as soon as edges show light golden color; cookies continue to set while cooling.
Make-ahead: Dough can be chilled for 30 minutes to an hour for firmer balls and slightly thicker cookies.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Counter: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: If you prefer refrigerated sweets, they’ll keep up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in a 300°F oven for 4–6 minutes or microwave a single cookie for 8–10 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly, then roll and bake as directed.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine will work in a pinch, but butter gives superior flavor and texture. If using margarine, choose one with a high fat content for better results.

How can I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by removing them at the 9–10 minute mark and letting them finish setting on the baking sheet.

Is cream of tartar necessary?
Cream of tartar adds a subtle tang and helps with the crackled top texture. If you don’t have it, the cookies will still work, but you may lose a bit of that classic finish.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely. Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Be gentle so the dough doesn’t become too dense.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies are a simple, heartwarming recipe that proves classic ingredients and gentle technique deliver irresistible results. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing at tea time or holiday gatherings. If you want a trusted recipe to fall back on that consistently delights, this is it—give them a try and share the joy with friends and family. For another take on a nostalgic cookie, check out this detailed source: Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies – AngelaLynne