History

• The sugar cookie as we know it today was created by Protestant settlers in the Nazareth colony of Pennsylvania in the 1700s. They baked their cookies in the shape of a keystone, the state's symbol.

Ingredients

• A basic sugar cookie recipe found in Aaron Morgan's "The Artful Cookie" uses 1 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tsp. of vanilla extract, 1 beaten egg and 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (2004).

Time & Temperature

• Sugar cookies bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges brown slightly.

Decorations

• Dough is traditionally rolled flat and cut into shapes and either left plain or decorated with colored sugar, sprinkles or icing.

Fun Fact

• As of 2003, the United States Congress was in debate over two conflicting bills designating the official cookie of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: chocolate chip or sugar cookie.