Paint Brush Cookies
Creative and fun, these paint brush cookies feature a sweet honey-flavored dough perfect for decorating and sharing with kids or at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, soft shortening, honey, egg, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Mix flour, soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine dry ingredients into the shortening mixture.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Divide the chilled dough into 3 portions.
- Refrigerate 2 portions until ready to use.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the cookies maintain their shape, consider chilling the dough longer if it feels too soft. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter option, using low-fat shortening can reduce calories without sacrificing texture. Adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking can enhance visual appeal, making them perfect for festive occasions.
Serving Suggestions
These Paint Brush Cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a drizzle of icing for added sweetness. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. For a festive touch, serve alongside Candied Flowers to elevate their presentation, especially during celebrations or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paint Brush Cookies contains roughly 935 calories, with 19g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option. The texture may be slightly denser, but it will add a nice nutty flavor to the cookies.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on your hands while shaping the cookies. Additionally, chilling the dough for a bit longer can help firm it up, making it easier to work with.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter before baking. You can also use cookie cutters to shape them into holiday themes. For an elegant touch, serve them with a side of Lo-Cal Topping instead of whipped cream for a lighter dessert option.
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).