Roly Polies
Sweet and cinnamon-spiced cookies with a soft center and crisp edges, perfect for sharing with family and friends during holidays or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together shortening and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Add flour, cream of tartar, soda, and salt; mix well.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider using butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with adding nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with baking powder—just use 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder instead. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Roly Polies warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for an afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with Pink Cole Slaw for a delightful contrast of flavors. These cookies can also be enjoyed as part of a dessert platter alongside other sweets like Old Timey Peanut Butter Crisscross Cookies to create a fun variety for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Roly Polies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roly Polies contains roughly 241 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.
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 whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in denser cookies. Start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness, or try using a bit less flour overall to prevent them from becoming too heavy.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. If it's still sticky, gradually add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the final texture of the cookies.
How do I know when the Roly Polies are done baking?
The Roly Polies are done when they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender and chewy.
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).