Grandma'S White Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Grandma's White Cookies are tender, sweet treats with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 6 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Alternate adding dry ingredients (baking powder, salt, flour) with milk, mixing until smooth.
  4. Place some flour in a small bowl.
  5. Drop batter by spoonfuls into the flour in the bowl and roll around with your fingers until dough is coated.
  6. Place the coated dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Allow to cool and frost if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure the shortening and sugar are creamed until very fluffy. If you want to reduce fat, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you're out of milk, soy or almond milk can work as a substitute. For added flavor, consider mixing in lemon zest or a bit of almond extract.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own or frosted with a simple icing. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert trays, especially alongside other favorites like Grandma Zimmerman's Monster Cookies or Peanut Chunkies.

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-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S White Cookies contains roughly 249 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

249 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.9g 5% DV
Carbs 43.2g 16% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 1.7g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 437mg 19% DV
Potassium 268mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 103.2mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.6mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 3.8mg 4% DV
Calcium 141.2mg 11% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% 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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, the texture might be slightly different, as butter will yield a richer flavor and a chewier cookie. Use the same amount of butter as the shortening called for in the recipe.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients to get the right consistency.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You can enhance the flavor of these cookies by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also add warmth and depth. Experimenting with different extracts, like almond or coconut, can also give your cookies a unique twist.

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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