Can you substitute margarine or butter for shortening or will that ruin a recipe (cookies)?

Question

It is for oatmeal cookies & i'd rather not use shortening just because I don't buy it or have it on hand... but im not sure if that will change the taste or texture. How is shortening different than margarine?

Answer 1

Some recipes it is ok, some not. Remember, both butter and margarine have water as an ingredient, whereas shortening does not, to my knowledge. Also, both butter and margarine differ greatly in fatty acid content. I suggest reading up on subs from a good cookbook! :)

NOTE: if using butter or margarine in a pie crust or other recipe that needs "flaky" results, make sure the stick of butter/margarine is WELL refrigerated before cutting in! :)

ALSO SEE:
http://www.baking911.com/pantry/fats.htm
http://www.crisco.com/about/faqs.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margarine

Answer 2

I'm no expert but if the recipe calls for butter, then use butter if you can afford it. Especially where cookies are concerned.


Isn't shortening whatever you use for the fat content? I don't think it's a seperate item as distinct from butter, margarine or lard.

Answer 3

use less of the butter than called for or the cookies will be messed up. like if it calls for 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup shortening, use 3/4 cup total.

Answer 4

Yes, margarine would be okay. But if a recipe says butter, use butter.

Answer 5

I always use butter when making cookies no matter what the recipe says.....I think it tastes better. It hasn't ruined my cookie batter yet.

Answer 6

You should be able to use any of the three depending on which taste you prefer. I always make my cookies with butter.

Answer 7

yes it doesnt matter.. if u r good at cooking then u can make slight changes which will not ruin ure recipe and if u r a new learner, then u shud follow the ingredients exactly.

Answer 8

I always use margarine