What Is the Substitute for Shortening in Cookies?

In my many years in the kitchen, I've often been asked, "What is the substitute for shortening in cookies?" It's a common query, especially when you find yourself midway through a recipe and realize you're out of this key ingredient.

Or perhaps you're looking for a healthier or more flavorful alternative. Fear not! Shortening isn't the only player in the game of delicious cookies.

Whether you're seeking a richer flavor, a different texture, or simply need to work with what's in your pantry, there are several worthy replacements that might even elevate your favorite treat.

Jump to:

Understanding Shortening
5 Best Cookie Shortening Substitutes
Tips on How To Substitute Shortening In Cookies
Recipes to Try Using Shortening Substitutes
FAQs in Relation to Substitute for Shortening in Cookies
Recipe

Understanding Shortening

vegetable shortening on top of parchment paper beside knife

If you've ever wondered why your cookies don't mirror those soft, crumbly ones from a bakery, it's likely because of one key ingredient—shortening. This versatile ingredient is essential in many baking recipes and originates from hydrogenated vegetable oil.

This unique property makes shortening an ideal choice for certain baked goods like pie crusts and biscuits where maintaining shape during baking is crucial.

The Role of Traditional Shortening in Baking

Besides its structural benefits, there are several reasons why bakers prefer using traditional shortening.

Shortening, a key player in the world of baking, has its roots firmly planted in hydrogenated vegetable oil. But what makes it such an appealing choice for bakers?

In essence, when shortening melts during baking, it leaves tiny pockets that contribute to crumbly textures. Plus, with its higher melting point compared to other fats like butter or margarine, these pockets stay intact longer during baking, leading to softer pastries.

1. Butter

two baked croissants and a pack of butter

Ah, butter. It's that creamy, dairy-based delight that many of us keep in our fridge. Made primarily from milk fat, it has a rich flavor and silky texture.

When substituting for shortening, use butter in a 1:1 ratio. So, if a recipe calls for a cup of shortening, you'll use a cup of butter.

Best for everything but my favorite is using it for chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles, to give them a rich flavor and slightly crispy edge.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fat extracted from the meat of coconuts. It can be solid at room temperature or liquid when slightly warmer.

You can this vegan alternative for shortening in a 1:1 ratio. If your oil is in liquid form, consider chilling it a bit to solidify for certain recipes.

Best for cookies that can benefit from a subtle coconut flavor, like oatmeal cookies or even certain types of shortbread.

3. Lard

Lard is a rendered fat from pork. Now, I know it might not sound appetizing, but it has been used in baking for centuries.

Just like the others, use lard in the same amount the recipe calls for when replacing shortening.

Best for pie crusts, but if we’re talking cookies, it can be best for old-fashioned recipes, like certain gingerbread or molasses cookies.

4. Applesauce

It’s a sauce made from stewed and pureed apples. Many health-conscious bakers love it because it can reduce the fat content in recipes.

This one’s a bit different. For every cup of shortening, use half a cup of applesauce. Do keep in mind that it’ll change the cookie’s texture, making it softer and more cake-like.

Best for soft cookies or when you’re going for a lighter, healthier option.

5. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a thicker, creamier version of regular yogurt, made by straining out the liquid. For every cup of shortening, use about ¾ cup of Greek yogurt. Like applesauce, it will produce a softer cookie.

Best for cookies that complement a tangy flavor, perhaps blueberry cookies or even chocolate chip when you’re craving something different!

Tips on How To Substitute Shortening In Cookies

Substituting shortening in cookies is more than just a one-to-one switch. It's all about comprehending the purpose of each element and how they collaborate to form your preferred consistency and taste.

I will guide you through different ways to substitute shortening, along with some handy tips for achieving great results every time.

1. The Butter Swap

You can't go wrong by substituting butter for traditional vegetable shortening - it's a classic choice that brings rich flavors into play. However, there are certain considerations when using this as an alternative due to its water content, which could affect your baked goods' texture and make them prone to spreading during baking.

To counteract this effect, chilling your dough before baking might be necessary. King Arthur Baking provides insights into why cold ingredients make such a difference in pastry recipes where fat plays a crucial part, like biscuits or pie crusts.

2. Vegetable Oil as a Liquid Alternative

If you're considering liquid fats like vegetable oils instead of solid ones, remember that their consistency differs greatly from something semi-solid at room temperature (like coconut oil or margarine).

Therefore, if replacing all fat with oil, reduce other liquids slightly in the recipe—say around ¾ cup per the full amount originally called out for regular shortenings.

This adjustment helps maintain the balance between wet and dry components, ensuring proper hydration levels within the final product without compromising the structure too much.

3. Butter-Butter Method

A combination of two types of butter—regular unsalted and European-style high-fat—is another fantastic option worth exploring.

This blend mimics both the moisture content and melting behavior similar to hydrogenated products while offering a superior taste profile compared to straight-up trans-fatty stalwarts of yesteryear's kitchens.

Remember, though, precision matters—you'll need approximately 20% more of the 'butter-butter' mix than the original quantity required because of the lower overall fat percentage present in these alternatives.

Recipes to Try Using Shortening Substitutes

Armed with your newfound knowledge of shortening substitutes, it's time to roll up those sleeves and get baking. There are a wide variety of recipes to test out different ingredients.

This will give you firsthand experience of how these alternatives can influence the texture and flavor profile of your baked goods.

Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes by Sabine where you can test out reliable cookie shortening alternatives:

FAQs in Relation to Substitute for Shortening in Cookies

What can I substitute for ½ cup shortening in cookies?

You can replace a half-cup of shortening with a half-cup of unsalted butter or margarine. However, remember that these substitutes may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of Crisco shortening in cookies?

Lard, coconut oil, or high-fat content margarine make good alternatives to Crisco. Each brings its own unique qualities and flavors to your baked goods.

What happens if you don't put shortening in cookies?

Omitting shortening could result in harder, crumbly cookies due to less fat content. It's best to use an alternative like butter or coconut oil for similar results.

What are the best substitutes for shortening in cookies?

The best substitutes for shortening in cookies are butter, coconut oil, lard, applesauce, and Greek yogurt. Each offers a unique flavor and texture to cookies, depending on your preference and the recipe.

There you have it, fellow bakers! Substituting shortening in cookies isn't a daunting task when you have the right alternatives on hand. Whether it's the rich depth of butter or the light touch of Greek yogurt, each substitute offers its own charm.

I invite you to play around and find what works best for your baking adventures. And if you're ever in need of more ingredient swaps or perhaps some scrumptious air fryer recipes, do drop by the blog.

There's always a new culinary journey waiting for you there. Happy baking!