Basic Sliced Cookies
Classic sliced cookies with a tender, buttery texture and sweet flavor, perfect for snacking, tea time, or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat shortening and margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened.
- Add about half of the flour, the sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt to the shortening mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
- Stir in the remaining flour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening and margarine or butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a slightly different flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with cream cheese. Additionally, feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor. For a festive touch, consider rolling the dough in colored sugar before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These sliced cookies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience by pairing them with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring other favorites like Pumpkin Crunch Pie or American recipes for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Sliced Cookies contains roughly 1239 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1466mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
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 use all butter instead of shortening and margarine?
Yes, you can substitute all butter for the shortening and margarine in this recipe. However, using all butter may result in a slightly different texture, as cookies made primarily with butter tend to spread more during baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but might be soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before slicing. Simply shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and slice as directed.
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).