Substitute For Shortening In Cookies

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Last Updated on July 17, 2022

Are you searching for an excellent substitute for shortening cookies? If you are, please keep in mind that cookies made with shortening, in general, are typically short in texture.

And most of the time, it can be crumbly like shortbread, not to mention mild and domed in texture. The main reason is that shortening prevents spreading.

On the contrary, if you make your cookies with butter, they will be butterier in taste, flatter, and even crispier.

Substitute For Shortening In Cookies

There are many great alternatives for shortening when making cookies in most cases. Regarding, what can you substitute for shortening in cookies? You can choose among the following options: butter, applesauce, margarine, or coconut oil.

Butter

One of the best substitutes would be butter; there is no doubt that it can effectively replace your shortening whenever making cookies.

Now, you ask yourself, what happens if I substitute butter for shortening in cookies? In essence, butter has an undoubtedly rich flavor. And because of that, it can certainly add an immense depth to your cookies. In addition to that, it is undeniable that butter-packed cookies are indeed delectable and irresistible.

Moreover, please note that most bakers use butter in cookie recipes. That is why it is no wonder that it can be a brilliant substitute for shortening. However, it would help to consider that butter will not produce similar textures with shortening; bear in mind that the cookies will be flatter and less puffy when substituting butter for shortening.

Also, how much butter do I use instead of shortening? Whenever you are using butter, only add a few tablespoons. For instance, if your recipe needs a cup of shortening, only add two tablespoons of butter.

Vegan butter

As a healthier option, you can always use vegan butter as an alternative for shortening in making cookies. With that, you may add one to two additional tablespoons per cup of the shortening. And do not forget to get the correct fat-to-water ratio.

Remember that vegan butter is a dairy-free substitute for regular butter; regular butter is typically from cow’s milk. Not only that, but also it is from goat, sheep, or buffalo’s milk.

Furthermore, manufacturers create vegan butter from plant-based milk. Although the aspect that makes it incredible is that it has the same mouthfeel, flavor, and texture as regular butter made from animal milk, regardless of it being plant-based milk.

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Margarine

In general, it is a spread used for baking and flavoring recipes. Usually, you can use it as a substitute for shortening. With this, make sure to add a tablespoon of margarine to each cup of shortening. In addition to that, bear in mind that your margarine has low-fat content and contains water.

Similar to shortening, manufacturers create margarine from vegetable oil. Not only that but also it contains water content. Although, margarine is low-fat food. It is essential to consider margarine’s low-fat content, especially when making substitutions for shortening.

Please add a tablespoon of margarine for each cup of shortening in your recipe; remember that you have to do this since it will make up for the low fat in your margarine. Using this particular ratio, you can use your margarine for shortening in numerous recipes where you want a butter flavor with the same texture as shortening.

Applesauce

For the most part, you would know that many recipes use applesauce, especially if you are a big fan of vegan baking. Besides, applesauce is not just a mere vegan baking staple. Because of this, you have to understand that it is also an excellent substitute for shortening cookies.

In substituting applesauce for shortening, it is best to utilize half of the quantity of shortening required. With that, make sure to use half a cup of applesauce whenever the recipe needs one cup of shortening.

Also, if you have sweetened applesauce, be sure to lessen the sugar content so it won’t be sweet.

Coconut oil

Essentially, coconut oil has plenty of fat. And for that reason, you can conveniently use it in your cookie recipes. Besides that, it will give a desirable texture similar to what shortening can provide.

Additionally, it can provide many health benefits. Though, please note that your cookies’ flavor will change a bit. For that reason, it would be best to use coconut oil for a tropical cookie recipe.

Vegetable Shortening Alternatives In Cookies

First things first, what can you substitute for vegetable shortening in cookies? In most cases, you may use vegetable oil as an excellent substitute for vegetable shortening in cookies.

You should not use vegetable oil as a shortening alternative in recipes such as scones, biscuits, or even pie dough. Consequently, your dough will not puff up correctly if you do so since you will not get pockets of fat.

Facts About Shortening

In essence, shortening is the primary kind of fat in numerous recipes. And one of many reasons why it is popular is because it can stay at room temperature without ever spoiling. For this reason, it is indeed an economically smart option for most households since you are free to keep it in your cabinets.

Moreover, you have to understand that the main reason for your shortening’s shelf life is because manufacturers created it from one-hundred percent vegetable oil.

In this regard, the vegetable oil goes through a process known as hydrogenation that transforms the oil into solid. As a result, it turns into a solid fat that is one-hundred percent fat with zero water content. Please remember all of these since it is essential when making substitutions.

Nonetheless, your shortening will not spoil at room temperature because there are zero animal byproducts.

Conclusion

Margarine, butter, applesauce, and coconut oil are all fantastic substitutes for your cookies; bear in mind that each of these substitutes will give a distinct flavor.

Moreover, know that butter has a lower melting when compared to shortening. Because of this, it will result in a flatter cookie. It is best for your cookies if you use a 50/50 split. For instance, you can use half butter. After that, use half of the coconut oil. Finally, you can use applesauce for a dense cookie that is low-fat.

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