Sugar Cookie Recipe With Vegetable Shortening Made Easy

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and nostalgia of sugar cookies. This classic treat brings back memories of festive holidays, family gatherings, and cozy afternoons spent baking in the kitchen.

Today, we’re diving into a delightful sugar cookie recipe with vegetable shortening that guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time. Using vegetable shortening instead of butter gives these cookies a delicate crumb and a perfectly soft texture, making them ideal for decorating or simply enjoying on their own.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. The subtle flavor and buttery richness come together beautifully, promising a batch of cookies that are as versatile as they are delicious.

So, grab your apron and get ready to bake some timeless sugar cookies that will impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable shortening is a fantastic ingredient for sugar cookies because it produces a soft, tender crumb that holds its shape well—perfect for cookie cutters and decorating. Unlike butter, it doesn’t melt as quickly during baking, so cookies spread less, maintaining their perfect size and shape.

This recipe is easy to follow, uses common pantry staples, and yields a batch of cookies that stay fresh for days. Whether you want to frost them, add sprinkles, or enjoy them plain, these sugar cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, they’re an excellent base to customize with your favorite flavors, such as vanilla or almond.

If you love baking and want more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable shortening, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for softer dough)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Rolling pin (optional, for cut-out cookies)
• Cookie cutters (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the vegetable shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. If the dough feels too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it slightly.
6. If making cut-out cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make rolling easier. Otherwise, you can shape the dough by hand or using a cookie scoop.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Alternatively, drop rounded tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets for simple drop cookies.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Be careful not to overbake—the cookies should remain soft.
10. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly soft cookies, do not overbake! They will firm up as they cool.

• Flavor Boost: Try adding ½ teaspoon almond extract along with vanilla for a nutty twist.
• Decorating: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles to make festive treats.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan vegetable shortening.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cookies are delightfully versatile. Serve them plain with a cup of tea or coffee for a simple treat.

For special occasions, frost and decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles to match any theme or holiday.

They also make fantastic gifts when packaged in pretty tins or bags. Layer them with parchment paper to keep them fresh and beautiful.

For a fun dessert, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of homemade frosting or jam.

If you’re interested in more sweet treats, try our Almond Pudding Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Dessert or explore savory snacks like our Vegan Onion Ring Recipe That’s Crispy and Delicious.

Conclusion

This sugar cookie recipe with vegetable shortening is a fantastic option for anyone looking to bake tender, flavorful cookies that hold their shape beautifully. The use of vegetable shortening creates a soft texture that is perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with your favorite beverage.

It’s a reliable, easy-to-follow recipe that will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Whether you’re baking for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cookies deliver on taste and texture every time. Don’t forget to experiment with flavors and decorations to make them uniquely yours.

Happy baking!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out our other favorites like Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

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