Depression Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Depression Cookies are nostalgic, simple treats with buttery richness and sweet powdered sugar. Perfect for comforting moments, they are easy to make and delightfully satisfying.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together and roll into small balls.
  2. Press down each ball with a fork and place a nut on top of each.
  3. Bake at 350°F until lightly brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure even mixing. If you're short on flour, you can substitute up to half with almond flour for a nutty flavor. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness. If you like a spice kick, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. This recipe is simple and can easily be adapted for a gluten-free version using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a comforting treat. Consider pairing them with a slice of Jackie'S Easy Coffeecake for a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve them alongside holiday treats at gatherings. Their simplicity makes them a versatile option for any dessert table.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to regain their freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Depression Cookies contains roughly 170 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

170 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 35.1g 13% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 68.5mg 3% DV
Potassium 124.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 27.9mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 34.7mg 3% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Choose a stick margarine for better results, and ensure it's not too soft to maintain the cookie's structure.

What can I substitute for cream of tartar?

If you don't have cream of tartar, you can use an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute. This will help stabilize the egg and give the cookies a nice texture, although the flavor profile may be slightly altered.

How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?

To add chocolate flavor, mix in a cup of chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the dough. If using cocoa powder, you may need to reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons to maintain the right consistency. This makes for a delicious twist on the classic Depression Cookies.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →