Four O'Clock Cookies
Sweet, nutty, and sugary cookies with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for teatime or special treats, appealing to those who enjoy rich, homemade confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together water, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Add flour, shortening, and chopped pecans to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Drop spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until cookies are lightly golden, then watch closely.
- Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Ensure your cookie dough isn't too wet; if it is, add a bit more flour until the consistency is right.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. They pair beautifully with Apricot Mist Punch for a refreshing contrast. For a full dessert spread, consider serving them with Unforgettable Coleslaw as a unique twist at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four O'Clock Cookies contains roughly 1609 calories, with 17g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Each nut will provide a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment. Just make sure to chop them finely to blend well into the cookie dough.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is too sticky, it might help to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop. Additionally, you can gradually add more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-baking, as they will continue to firm up after removing them from the oven.
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).