Best Vegetable Shortening Substitutes for Cookies

Find substitutions that keep spread, chew, and browning close to your original cookie recipe. Small ingredient changes quickly affect cookie spread and texture, especially fat and sugar swaps.

Reviewed by the CupOrGram Editorial TeamSources: King Arthur Baking, USDA FoodData Central, in-house testingMethodology

Can I make cookies without vegetable shortening?

Yes. Start with Butter at 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.

Top Recommendation

Butter

Use 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter

Butter's water adds flavour but reduces flakiness. Chill the dough well.

View full adjustment notes →

How much does 1 cup of vegetable shortening weigh?

On CupOrGram, 1 cup of vegetable shortening is treated as 205 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.

Vegetable Shortening cups to grams →

Alternative Options for Cookies

Common Questions for Cookies

Can I make cookies without vegetable shortening?

Yes. Start with Butter at 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter. Butter's water adds flavour but reduces flakiness. Chill the dough well.

What can I use instead of vegetable shortening for cookies?

Top options are Butter (1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter) plus Lard (1:1) and Coconut Oil (refined, solid) (1:1).

Best vegetable shortening substitute for cookies?

Butter is the top pick here. Use 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter and adjust only after a test bake.

How do I substitute vegetable shortening in cookie dough?

Replace using 1 cup shortening = 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter, mix as usual, then tune liquid and bake time in small steps if needed.

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