Old Fashioned Soft Cookies
Old Fashioned Soft Cookies offer a tender, flavorful treat with a hint of vanilla and a soft texture, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, shortening, and eggs.
- Add vanilla.
- Alternate adding sour milk (or buttermilk) and dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda) to the mixture.
- Pat dough out on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut with a large cookie cutter or glass.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until slightly brown on the bottom.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer cookie, ensure not to overbake; they should be just slightly golden on the bottom. If you don't have sour milk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This recipe can also be adapted with different add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful served with a glass of cold milk or alongside a warm cup of tea. For a fun dessert table, consider pairing them with a slice of Tasty Lemon Pie or some Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake for variety. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they will last for up to three months. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Soft Cookies contains roughly 396 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2157mg per serving (94% 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 in this recipe. However, using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and slightly different texture. If using butter, make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Flour your hands and the surface while shaping the cookies to prevent sticking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, roll the dough into balls and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
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).