Mom'S Cut-Out Cookies
Classic cut-out cookies with buttery flavor and tender texture, perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening and sugar together.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and hot water mixed with baking soda; then add flour.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you prefer a lighter cookie, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique flavor twist. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cut-out cookies are perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles, making them great for holidays or special occasions. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make a delightful addition to cookie platters alongside treats like Christmas Molasses Fruit Bonbons or Pineapple Pumpkin Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain freshness, you can also freeze them for up to three months. If you want to reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Cut-Out Cookies contains roughly 661 calories, with 2g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
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, but the texture may be slightly different—cookies will be a bit richer and less tender. If using butter, make sure it's softened, and consider chilling the dough longer to help maintain shape.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling it out is key to preventing spreading. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh and that you’re not overmixing the dough after adding flour, as this can lead to excess spreading.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. You can also chill the dough for a longer period, which will help it firm up and make it easier to handle.
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).