5 Delicious Crisco Recipes for Easy Baking Success

Ready for some easy and delicious baking? Look no further than Crisco for all your baking needs. Known for its versatility, Crisco can be a secret weapon in your kitchen. Here are five delectable recipes that can help you master the art of baking with Crisco, ensuring each treat comes out perfectly every time.

Recipe 1: Classic Crisco Sugar Cookies

Begin your baking adventure with these timeless sugar cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2-¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 cup Crisco, solid, at room temperature
• 1-¹⁄₂ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat Crisco and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and, if desired, roll them in additional sugar for an extra sweet touch.
6. Place on the baking sheet, leaving ample space between cookies.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Let cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

🎨 Note: Rolling cookies in sugar before baking adds a delightful crunch and makes them sparkle!

Recipe 2: Crisco Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats the comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie, and Crisco makes these even better.

• 2-¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup Crisco, at room temperature
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat Crisco with both sugars until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
7. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Recipe 3: Crisco Peanut Butter Cookies

If you adore peanut butter, this cookie recipe is for you!

• 3/4 cup Crisco, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1-1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Granulated sugar for rolling

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat Crisco, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until well mixed. Beat in the egg.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; add to Crisco mixture, beating well.
4. Form dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on baking sheets.
5. Flatten each ball with a fork to make a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until set and just starting to brown.
7. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to racks.

Recipe 4: Crisco Apple Pie

Who can resist the allure of a homemade apple pie? Here's how to make the flakiest crust:

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup Crisco, chilled
• 4-6 tbsp ice cold water
• For the Filling:
• 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then cut in Crisco until mixture is crumbly.
2. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough forms. Divide dough in half.
3. Roll out one half to fit your pie dish, keeping the other half refrigerated.
4. For the filling, combine apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Pour the filling into the pie crust, dot with butter, and cover with the second rolled-out dough.
6. Seal edges and make slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

In summary, using Crisco in your baking endeavors opens up a world of delicious possibilities. It's ideal for achieving that perfect texture in pies, the crunch in cookies, and the richness in cakes. These recipes offer a great starting point for both novice and experienced bakers to explore the versatility of Crisco, leading to baking success with every bite. Remember, with Crisco, the secret to great baking is not just in the ingredients, but in the techniques as well.

Why is Crisco so effective for baking?

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Crisco has a high melting point which allows for air pockets to form during baking, resulting in flakier, tender pastries and cookies.

Can I use Crisco in place of butter for all recipes?

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While Crisco can often be substituted for butter, some recipes, especially those relying on butter for flavor, might not yield the same results. It’s always best to adjust proportions and taste test.

How does Crisco affect the nutritional value of baked goods?

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Crisco is essentially pure fat, which can increase the calorie count of your treats. However, it contains no cholesterol, and the trans fat content is now zero in modern Crisco, making it a potentially healthier option for some.

What’s the best way to store baked goods made with Crisco?

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Most baked goods with Crisco will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them to maintain their texture and taste.

Can Crisco be used in savory dishes?

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Yes, Crisco can be used to make pie crusts, biscuits, or as a frying medium, imparting a light, crispy texture to your savory dishes.