Radio Overnight Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Radio Overnight Cookies are rich, spiced cookies with warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, these cookies develop their full flavor after chilling overnight. They are soft, fragrant, and customizable with optional nutmeats for added texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

  1. Cream the brown sugar, white sugar, and shortening together.
  2. Add the eggs and mix well.
  3. Combine with the rest of the ingredients, including salt, flour, soda, spices, lemon extract, vanilla, and optional nutmeats.
  4. Divide the dough into 2 rolls.
  5. Wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  7. Slice the chilled dough and place on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you're out of certain spices, feel free to use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Make sure to chill the dough overnight; this enhances the flavor and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of Strawberry Ice Cream for a fun dessert experience. You can also enjoy them with a slice of Christmas Congealed Salad for a festive touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Radio Overnight Cookies contains roughly 2432 calories, with 15g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1449mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).

2432 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15g 30% DV
Total Fat 134.4g 100% DV
Carbs 261g 95% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 165.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1449mg 63% DV
Potassium 691.2mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 110.5mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 662.4mg 51% DV
Iron 5.2mg 29% DV
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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. However, the texture may be slightly different; butter will provide a richer flavor, while shortening will keep the cookies softer and chewier. If using butter, ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To add a festive touch, consider incorporating chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts into the dough. You can also add a sprinkle of colored sugar on top before baking for a fun, decorative effect.

What adjustments do I need to make for high altitude baking?

At high altitudes, you may need to reduce the flour by a couple of tablespoons, increase the oven temperature by 15°F, and perhaps add a little extra liquid. Keep an eye on the baking time, as cookies may bake faster in higher elevations.

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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