Few things bring back childhood memories like the smell of fresh-baked cookies straight from the oven. Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies are a timeless treat, offering a perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. With a touch of old-fashioned charm and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are ideal for tea time, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or simply when you crave something comforting and delicious.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these have a unique texture thanks to a combination of granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar. The result is a light, slightly crisp cookie with an irresistible buttery flavor.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special and how you can make them at home.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Soft, Buttery Texture – A balance of chewiness and crispiness in every bite.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a no-fuss recipe.
Old-Fashioned Charm – Passed down through generations, this recipe is full of nostalgia.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a holiday gathering or a quiet evening treat, these cookies are always a hit.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be chilled overnight for a stress-free baking session.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies

½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
½ cup powdered sugar
1 egg
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg, softened butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until fully blended and creamy.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Stir until everything is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

For the best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator overnight or in the freezer for at least an hour. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into small balls.
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to create a lightly crisp, sugary coating.
Place the dough balls on a lined cookie sheet, leaving 1½ to 2 inches of space between each, as they will spread.
Press each ball until about ½ inch thick using a cookie press, fork, or the palm of your hand.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for the Best Irish Sugar Cookies

Chilling the Dough is Key – This prevents excessive spreading and enhances the cookie’s texture.
Don’t Overbake – The cookies should have a light tan color around the edges but remain soft in the center.
Use a Cookie Scoop – This ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
Try a Decorative Press – Use a fork or cookie press for a classic, textured look.
Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but you can get creative with different flavors and pairings:

Add a St. Patrick’s Day Twist – Sprinkle green sugar on top before baking.
Drizzle with Chocolate – Melt white or dark chocolate for a decorative touch.
Citrus Flavor Boost – Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
Nutty Addition – Mix in finely chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Make Ice Cream Sandwiches – Use these cookies to sandwich vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

How to Store and Freeze Irish Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies is that they store exceptionally well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. Whether you want to keep a batch fresh for the week or freeze some for future cravings, here’s how to do it right.

Storing at Room Temperature

Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container or a cookie tin.
Store at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
To maintain their texture, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigerating the Dough

If you want to bake fresh cookies on demand, the dough can be stored in the refrigerator:

Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
When ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling and baking.

Freezing Baked Cookies

If you have extra cookies and want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option:

Let the cookies cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

Freezing Cookie Dough

For make-ahead convenience, freeze the cookie dough and bake fresh whenever you like:

Option 1: Freeze the Dough Log – Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. Slice and bake as needed.
Option 2: Freeze Individual Dough Balls – Scoop and roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

The Perfect Nostalgic Treat

There is something special about baking a recipe passed down through generations. Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies are a simple yet delicious reminder of warm kitchens, cherished traditions, and the joy of homemade treats.

Whether you make them for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy weekend bake, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy a taste of homemade happiness.

Grandma’s Irish Sugar Cookies

These delicate, buttery sugar cookies have a crisp edge and a soft center, making them a timeless family favorite. Lightly sweetened and perfectly thin, they pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

– ½ cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg
– ½ cup butter softened
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups flour
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions

In a stand mixer, beat together granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg, butter, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Chill the dough overnight in the refrigerator or for at least an hour in the freezer.
Roll dough into small balls (about 1-2 tablespoons each). Coat in granulated sugar and place on a cookie sheet, leaving 1½-2 inches of space between them. Flatten to about ½ inch thick using a cookie press, fork, or your palm.
Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the cookies spread out and turn lightly golden around the edges.

Notes

– Chilling the dough helps enhance flavor and texture.
– Pressing the cookies ensures even baking and a crisp edge.
– Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.