Cookie Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Craving classic homemade cookies with a tender, buttery texture and subtle vanilla flavor? Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet treat anytime.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 c. shortening

Instructions

  1. Sift sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla into a medium bowl.
  2. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
  3. Add eggs and mix with a fork until the dough holds together and becomes smooth.
  4. Mix with hands until well combined.
  5. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute half of the shortening with applesauce or a light oil. Make sure to sift the flour and other dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps, which can affect the texture of the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or with fresh fruit like the Strawberry - Cottage Cheese Fruit Salad(Easy) for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookie dough wrapped in waxed paper in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cookie Recipe contains roughly 258 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2235mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).

258 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 36.8g 13% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2235.1mg 97% DV
Potassium 106.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 283.1mg 22% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture and density of the cookies. Start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture while adding some whole grain benefits.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to work with, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure even distribution.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are typically done when the edges are lightly golden and the center looks slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

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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