Holland House Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Deliciously buttery cookies with a hint of vanilla and almond, perfect for sweet snacks or sharing with friends and family, offering a classic treat for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/2 cup Crisco or Spry
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted flour

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, margarine, Crisco, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sifted flour.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until well incorporated.
  5. Stir in chopped nuts.
  6. Roll dough into small balls, smaller than a walnut.
  7. Flatten each ball with a glass.
  8. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist on flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with peanut butter or another nut butter. You can also use coconut oil instead of margarine for a dairy-free option. Make sure to sift your flour to ensure light and fluffy cookies. If you want a chewier texture, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a fun dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumble them over yogurt. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter with other treats like Herb Cheese Wedges or Caraway Cheese Muffins.

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 zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holland House Cookies contains roughly 521 calories, with 0g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

521 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 31.6g 40% DV
Carbs 37.1g 13% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 34.5g 69% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 108mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 90mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Calcium 295.4mg 23% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 all butter instead of margarine and Crisco?

Yes, you can use all butter instead of margarine and Crisco for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that using only butter may result in a slightly different texture, as the margarine and Crisco contribute to a softer cookie.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking. Additionally, using a higher ratio of flour or adding a bit more baking powder can help maintain their shape. Also, ensure your baking sheets are not too warm before placing the dough on them.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even coconut flakes into the dough along with the chopped nuts. Just be mindful of the total volume of add-ins to maintain the correct cookie texture.

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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