Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook (1941)

Last updated on September 27th, 2026

This Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book (1941), is a beloved classic cookbook that guides home cooks with recipes from meal planning, food preservation, to baked goods and more! This vintage cookbook helps home cooks preserves culinary practices of the 1940s with simple, made from scratch food.

I’ve also included more original recipes here for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies Recipe

Original Recipe (with modern modifications)

½ cup shortening (use 1/2 c. butter)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sugar
1 egg (add 1 egg yolk for richness)
½ cup milk
3 cups flour
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (use 1 Tbsp. vanilla for more flavor)
¼ teaspoon salt (use 1 tsp. salt for modern pallets)

1. Cream together butter and sugar.
2. Add egg and mix well.
3. Add dry ingredients alternately with wet ingredients.
4. Roll 1/4″ thick on lightly floured surface.
5. Cut shapes and sprinkle with sugar for decoration, if desired.
6. Bake on greased cooky sheet at 375° about 15 minutes.
7. YIELD: Makes 3 dozen cookies.

RECIPE REMAKES

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Related Recipes

• Cookbook Collection: Better Homes and Gardens
• Home Gardener’s Cookbook (1974)
• Sourdough Rhubarb Muffins
• Vintage Canning Recipe Clips (1960’s & 1970’s)
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Vintage Recipes

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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