Old English Cookies

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

Old English Cookies offer a warm, spiced flavor profile with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, complemented by the richness of brown sugar and shortening. Perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday treats, these cookies are crispy on the edges and tender inside, appealing to spice lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

  1. Mix the shortening, brown sugar, eggs, and cold water together until well combined.
  2. Sift the flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together.
  3. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well.
  4. Drop even amounts of the dough onto cookie sheets.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different taste, or use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier cookie, increase the cinnamon or add ginger. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

Serving Suggestions

These Old English Cookies are delightful on their own or paired with a cup of tea for a warm afternoon treat. For a festive touch, drizzle with Butter Icing(For Cookies Or Bars) after cooling. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or as a sweet treat alongside Fatless Potato Salad at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old English Cookies contains roughly 363 calories, with 2g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

363 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 23.5g 30% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 9.9g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 169.3mg 7% DV
Potassium 193.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 77.5mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 130.5mg 10% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 different spices in the cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice to customize the flavor. Just keep in mind that adjusting the spices might alter the overall taste, so start with small amounts.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to drop onto the cookie sheets. You can also lightly flour your hands and the surface to help with shaping.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?

Yes, adding nuts like walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the texture and flavor of the cookies. Stir in about one cup of your desired add-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients for a delicious 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).

Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →