Classic Pound Cookies: A Delicious Taste of Nostalgia
Greetings, all cookie monsters! Nothing feels more satisfying than baking your own cookies and treating yourself to warm, freshly baked desserts, right? As a professional baker with a personal love for cookies, I’m thrilled to share my pound cookies recipe with you all. Trust me when I say these pound cake-inspired cookies will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Baked to perfection, these pound cookies are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Each bite is loaded with rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar, making them unbelievably addictive. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack or a gourmet dessert to impress your guests, these cookies are the perfect option.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, even beginner bakers can create these mouthwatering treats without breaking a sweat. So, get ready to whip up some scrumptious pound cake cookies that will have everyone coming back for more.
Now, let’s head to the kitchen and start baking our pound cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a die-hard cookie lover like me, then this recipe for pound cookies is guaranteed to be a treat for your taste buds! These decadent and buttery cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings at any time of day.
One thing that sets this recipe apart from traditional cookie recipes is its use of pound cake mix. Yes, you heard that right – pound cake mix! This secret ingredient imparts an extra layer of richness and depth to the cookies that will make you swear off regular butter cookies forever.
But don’t worry, these pound cookies still maintain their signature cookie texture with a light and crumbly exterior and a soft and chewy interior. Plus, with options for adding chocolate chips or cinnamon sugar mix-ins, these cookies can also satisfy your love for classic flavors or spice things up with new twists.
And if you’re someone who likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle but can’t resist indulging in desserts every now and then, you need to try the protein version of these cookies. With 50g of protein per batch, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling guilty about sabotaging your fitness goals.
In summary, whether you’re in the mood for classic chocolate chip cookies or want to switch things up with cinnamon sugar or protein options, these pound cookies have got you covered. So go ahead and give them a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before even thinking about making the pound cookies recipe, it is essential to make sure all the ingredients are available in the kitchen. Gathered below is everything needed to bake these delightful treats.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Additional Mix-ins
- chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)
- Pecans (optional)
The dry ingredients must be sifted together and set aside while getting ready to mix the wet ingredients. These cookies can hold endless variations that would like to try out with different nuts, cocoa powder or even using a cake mix instead of flour; test it out by adding in some chocolatey goodness with half pound chocolate chunks. Read on as we move on to the recipe how-to section.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part – making the pound cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of vegetable shortening, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, beating until well combined.
Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least two inches apart.
Tip: You can use an ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop for easy and uniform measuring.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: If you prefer softer cookies, take them out earlier, but if you want them crispy, leave them in longer.
Optional Step 8: Add chocolate chips or sprinkle cookies with cinnamon and sugar while they are still hot.
And voila! Delicious pound cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
What makes baking so exciting is that there are endless ways to tweak a recipe to make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can play with while making these pound cookies:
– Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate chip cookie but want to give it a twist, substitute half of the chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts. The buttery and nutty flavor they add will make this variation irresistible.
– Lemon Pound Cookies: If you have a sweet tooth and love bright citrus flavors, substitute vanilla extract with lemon extract in the recipe. This addition will infuse these dense cookies with tangy lemon flavor and take them to the next level.
– Protein Cookies: For those looking for a healthier alternative, swap out half of the all-purpose flour with protein powder of your choice. Not only will this change up the ingredients, but it will also add an extra kick of protein.
– Sprinkle Cookies: Want to add more color to these delicious butter cookies? Mix in some rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a fun and festive twist that not only adds visual appeal but also adds sweetness.
– Cake Mix Cookies: If you’re in a hurry, using a cake mix as the base is an easy solution. Use any flavor pound cake mix as per the box instructions and then follow the pound cookie recipe’s instructions using the cake mix as one of the ingredients. It works wonders if you’re short on time or ingredients.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, be mindful not to overdo it since these cookies’ core flavor is already delicious on its own. These changes are meant to enhance your experience, so use your creativity and try what excites you!
Serving and Pairing
Half-pound cookies are meant to be indulged in, shared and enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for serving as a midday snack, as a dessert or even for breakfast, and they pair nicely with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. They also make excellent gifts, especially if packaged together with a box of tea or coffee.
If you want to make your servings even more special, try adding different toppings or mix-ins such as chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or cinnamon sugar. You could also put filling between two cookies like peanut butter or raspberry jam.
For an extra-decadent treat, top your half-pound cookies with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or drizzle them with chocolate syrup. Because who doesn’t love chocolate on top of chocolate?
However you choose to serve them, these pound cake cookies are sure to delight and satisfy any sweet tooth!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about what to do with these delicious pound cake cookies after you’ve baked them. Because let’s face it, there’s no way you’re going to eat them all in one sitting.
First off, if you want to make them ahead of time, you absolutely can. Once you’ve finished making the dough and chilling it in the fridge, simply shape them into cookie-sized balls and toss them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months in the freezer!
When it comes time to bake them, just take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Then, pop them onto a baking sheet and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Now, if you’ve already baked your pound cake cookies and want to store them for later (or perhaps share them with friends), here’s what you need to know:
– Storing at room temperature: If you plan on eating your cookies within a day or two, storing them at room temperature is fine. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container and preferably not layered too thickly on top of each other. You don’t want them to stick together!
– Storing in the fridge: If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, you may want to store your cookies in the fridge. Again, make sure they’re sealed up tight! Cookies stored this way can last up to a week.
– Freezing: Yes, pound cake cookies freeze beautifully! Just like when freezing raw dough, drop your baked cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date. They’ll keep for several months in the freezer.
Finally, let’s talk reheating. Pound cake cookies are amazing fresh out of the oven (of course), but if you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer and want to bring that just-baked flavor back to life, here are some tips:
– Room temperature: Simply take your cookies out of their container and let them come to room temperature naturally (this will take an hour or two).
– Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and put your cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until they’re warmed through.
So go ahead – make a batch (or five) of these pound cake cookies and store ’em up! They’ll be waiting for you whenever that cookie craving hits.
Tips for Perfect Results
When baking pound cookies, it can be a bit tricky to get them just right. Here are some tips for achieving perfect results every time.
Firstly, be sure to cream the butter and sugar together well. This will create a light and fluffy base for the cookies. When adding in the eggs, do so one at a time and mix thoroughly between each addition. This will ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the dough.
If your recipe calls for vegetable shortening, make sure it is at room temperature before use. It should have a soft, but not melted consistency. Using melted shortening will alter the texture of the cookies.
When measuring ingredients, use precise measurements and be sure that all ingredients are at the correct temperature and consistency, as called for in the recipe. Inaccurate measurements or using ingredients that are too hot or cold can greatly affect the outcome of your cookies.
It’s important to avoid overmixing cookie dough. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough and dense. Stop mixing as soon as all of the ingredients are combined.
For an added flavor boost, try incorporating cinnamon or chocolate chips into your pound cookie recipe. However, when adding chocolate chips, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in each bite.
Finally, pay attention to baking time and temperature. Be sure to preheat your oven and set it to the correct temperature called for in the recipe. Overbaked cookies can become hard and dry while underbaked cookies may be too soft or gooey.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to bake perfect pound cookies every time!
FAQ
Now that we have gone through all the details of the recipe, let’s take a moment to address some potential questions and concerns you may have about making these delicious pound cookies. In this section, I will answer some frequently asked questions and provide problem-solving tips in case things do not go as planned. Let’s dive in!
How many cookies in a pound?
Butter cookies usually yield around 25-30 pieces per pound.
What ingredient makes cookies flatten?
When making cookies, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients you’re using. Sugar has a tendency to absorb liquid, and during the baking process, that liquid will be released, which can cause the cookies to spread out in undesirable ways. Similarly, if you use too much butter, the cookies can end up flat and overly greasy. Being conscious of the amounts and qualities of each ingredient will help ensure your cookies come out just right.
Are cookies better with butter or shortening?
When it comes to making cookies, the choice between using only butter or only shortening can significantly impact the final result. A butter-only cookie may not rise as much and may spread a bit more, resulting in crispy edges and a rich buttery flavor. On the other hand, a shortening-only cookie tends to bake higher and hold its shape better during baking.
Why do you put cream of tartar in sugar cookies?
When making cakes or cookies, including cream of tartar in the batter can prevent sugar molecules from clumping together and forming crystals. This, in turn, can result in a more tender and chewy texture in baked goods like snickerdoodles and sugar cookies. Cream of tartar plays a vital role in giving these treats their unique taste and texture.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Pound Cookies Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredient list, clear instructions, and endless possibilities for substitutions and variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Whether you prefer chocolate chip cookies or want to try something new like lemon pound cake cookies or sprinkle cookies, this recipe has something for everyone. And with its make-ahead and storing options, you can have fresh, homemade cookies whenever you want them.
So why not give the Pound Cookies Recipe a try? You won’t regret it! Not only will you impress your friends and family with your baking skills, but you’ll also get to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade cookies. So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and start baking!
Pound Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb vegetable shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 5 cups flour
- additional sugar, mixed with
- cinnamon
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix all ingredients together, starting with the shortening and adding each one in order. You can do this by hand or with a heavy-duty mixer.
- Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Press with bottom of a small glass dipped in flour.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- When cookies are cool, dip in sugar-cinnamon mixture.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.