Old Fashioned Soft Sugar Cookies.

Although I know warmer weather is on its way, this time of year still requires a lot of comforting.  Comfort in knowing winter is almost over, comfort in the fact that pretty soon you'll be able to take walks outside without wearing gloves, a scarf, boots and a heavy winter coat. 

These cookies are comfort cookies, for sure.  I don't know where they originated, but the recipe my mom had in her recipe box looks like it was clipped from a newspaper and I find something so charming and lovely about that.  

This recipe is fairly adaptable as far as additions go - I added some toasted, chopped walnuts and raisins.  But you don't have to add either one, or add pecans and dried cherries instead - it's totally up to you.  Just sigh in comfort when you bite into one :)

Old Fashioned Soft Sugar Cookies
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
About 1 cup additions - chopped nuts, dried fruit, etc.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. and line a few baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices and salt and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fluffy after each one is added.  Add the vanilla extract, then the flour and sour cream, alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.  Stir in the additions.  Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheets and bake for about 10-12 minutes, until very lightly golden on the edges and set in the middle.

Let cool on a wire rack and store airtight for up to 5 days.