Never Fail Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 144 Cuisine: American

Never Fail Cookies are classic, versatile treats with a rich, buttery flavor and chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, easily customizable with nuts, chocolate, or candies.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. white sugar
  • 1 c. brown sugar
  • 2 c. shortening
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 3/4 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. soda

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. The batter will be very stiff.
  3. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
  5. Makes approximately 12 dozen cookies. You can add nuts, coconut, chocolate chips, gumdrops, M&M's, or other mix-ins to customize.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you prefer a lighter cookie, consider replacing half the shortening with applesauce. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. If the dough feels too stiff, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before dropping onto the baking sheets. Experiment with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for variety.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as an after-school snack. Serve them with a glass of milk or alongside a slice of Mona'S Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread. You can also pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider adding a colorful platter of cookies to your next holiday gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Never Fail Cookies contains roughly 2586 calories, with 33g protein, 394g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (85% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

2586 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 33.3g 67% DV
Total Fat 66.2g 85% DV
Carbs 394.4g 100% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 133.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1169.5mg 51% DV
Potassium 919mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 129.5mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.7mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 272.2mg 21% DV
Iron 15.3mg 85% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 substitute butter for shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening, but it will alter the texture slightly. Cookies made with butter may spread more and have a richer flavor. If you prefer a softer cookie, using half butter and half shortening can give you the best of both worlds.

How can I make these cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, try reducing the flour slightly or adding a little more shortening. Baking them for a shorter time can also help; remove them from the oven when they are just set but not fully golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! You can customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Aim for about 1-2 cups of mix-ins; just make sure not to overload the dough to keep the cookie structure intact. Mix them in gently after combining the main ingredients.

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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