Hey there, cookie lovers!
The holiday season is here, and you know what that means—it’s cookie time!
Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Christmas cookies made with shortening.
These cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with festive flavors.
Perfect for sharing, decorating, or just enjoying with a cup of cocoa!
Let’s spread some holiday cheer, one cookie at a time!
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 7-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 27-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening (I like Crisco all-vegetable shortening for baking)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature for better emulsification)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (gives a distinct holiday flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (I prefer Land O’Lakes unsalted butter)
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, milk, and vanilla, then mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly to avoid clumping, until a large dough ball forms.
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 20-30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Shapes
Lightly flour your countertop to prevent sticking.
Roll the chilled dough ball out to a thickness of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.
Use cookie cutters or a round drinking cup to cut the dough into shapes.
Transfer the cut shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 7-10 minutes.
The cookies should be very light colored and just set when you take them out.
They will harden as they cool, so avoid over-baking.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies are completely cooled, they are ready to be served.
Enjoy these delightful homemade cookies with your favorite beverage or decorate them as desired!
