Cocoa Drops
Cocoa Drops are rich, chocolatey cookies with a tender crumb, perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, and eggs; stir in butter, milk, and vanilla.
- Sift dry ingredients together and add nuts.
- Combine dry ingredients with the creamed mixture and let stand for 1 hour.
- Bake at 400°F in a greased cookie sheet.
- Frost with chocolate frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, use unsweetened applesauce in place of half the shortening. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. When mixing, don’t overmix to keep the drops tender. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cocoa drops warm or at room temperature, topped with chocolate frosting for a decadent treat. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a delightful dessert experience, consider serving them alongside Sliced Fruit Bars or Pecan Whiskey Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cocoa drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cocoa Drops contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% 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 a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter or coconut oil for shortening in this recipe. However, each fat will slightly alter the flavor and texture; butter will create a richer taste, while coconut oil may add a hint of coconut flavor.
What if I want to make these cocoa drops gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cocoa drops, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with structure. The flavor will remain delicious while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even different nuts to customize your cocoa drops. Just remember to keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the right balance in the dough.
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).