Mother'S Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

These classic homemade cookies offer a delightful combination of buttery vanilla flavor and a crisp, tender texture. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they suit all occasions from casual teatimes to festive gatherings. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a timeless treat.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups flour
  • 2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Turn out the dough on a floured cloth or board and roll it thin.
  3. Cut the dough with a cookie cutter.
  4. Bake in a moderately hot oven until brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. Make sure to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling to prevent it from sticking. If you like a bit of spice, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can elevate the taste. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best leavening.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful served with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with your favorite frosting or jam. They also pair beautifully with Coconut Custard for a sweet dessert duo. Perfect for family gatherings or as a nostalgic treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm them briefly in a microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Cookies contains roughly 61 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

61 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 12.1g 4% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 384.5mg 17% DV
Potassium 39mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 12.9mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 57.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. To maintain lightness, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour in the recipe.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough becomes too sticky, try adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable. Alternatively, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to roll and cut.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also roll and cut the cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to a bag. Bake them fresh whenever you desire!

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 → All recipes →