Aunt Frieda'S Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A classic pecan cookie with a buttery texture, sweet flavor, and crunchy nuts, perfect for tea time or holiday gatherings, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Add enough flour to the mixture to be able to roll it out on a floured surface.
  2. Mix sugar, shortening, eggs, water, pecans, and baking powder until well combined.
  3. Gradually add flour until the dough is firm enough to roll out.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
  5. Cut into shapes and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter for a richer taste. You can also use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if desired. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a Fancy Cheese Ball during gatherings. They also pair well with fresh fruit or a light dessert like Cool Dessert(Mr. Food) for a balanced treat. Consider serving them at holiday parties or family reunions for a nostalgic touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Frieda'S Cookies contains roughly 983 calories, with 14g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

983 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.2g 28% DV
Total Fat 69.9g 90% DV
Carbs 83.9g 30% DV
Fiber 10.1g 36% DV
Sugar 2.6g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 525.9mg 23% DV
Potassium 543mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 38.7mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 22.5mg 25% DV
Calcium 364.6mg 28% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. The cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture, but they should still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on them starting around the 8-10 minute mark, depending on your oven.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the cookies. You can mix in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the other ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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