Although most people think of butter when it comes to baking cookies, there are many recipes that actually require olive oil instead of butter.
Olive oil is also a great substitution if you want to start eating less saturated fats.
However, can you also bake regular cookie recipes with olive oil instead of butter?
Luckily, you can!
When it comes to using olive oil instead of butter in cookies; here’s everything you need to know.
Tips For Baking Cookies With Olive Oil
Baking cookies with olive oil instead of butter is quite easy.
However, the cookies will turn out a lot better if you just keep a few tips in mind.
After all, the baking process is slightly different when you’re baking cookies with olive oil instead of butter.
Let’s go over some tips and advice to ensure that you end up with the best possible results.
1. Use A Mild Flavored Olive Oil
One of the most important tips for baking cookies with olive oil instead of butter is that you should choose a kind of olive oil that has a mild flavor.
If you choose an olive oil with a strong flavor, this flavor might actually overpower the taste of your freshly baked cookies and that would be a shame.
That’s why it’s a better idea to choose a mild-flavored olive oil for baked goods like cookies for example, but also with muffins or cakes.
If you’re baking something with a richer flavor you could always use an olive oil that tastes more intense.
2. Store It Properly
Butter is easily stored in the fridge, but most people forget that it’s really important to store olive oil properly as well.
If you don’t store it in the right place, the flavor could change and it can lead to a loss in its nutritious value as well.
That’s why you should always store your olive oil in a place that’s cool and dark.
Make sure the oil isn’t exposed to any heat or light or you could experience some disadvantages in both the flavor as well as the nutrition.
3. Use Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Another great tip for using olive oil instead of butter while baking cookies is to use an extra-virgin olive oil that’s of great quality (while mild in taste at the same time).
There are many people who don’t exactly like the taste of olive oil in other recipes, like for dipping bread or on their salads for example.
This will hold them back from baking their cookies with olive oil instead of butter.
However, if you use an extra-virgin olive oil that’s made from great quality, you won’t notice this distinct flavor in your baked goods.
4. Add Some Extra Sugar
If you want to bake cookies with olive oil instead of butter it’s a good idea to use a bit of extra sugar as well.
Because olive oil has quite a distinctive taste, you can counterbalance this flavor by simply adding more sugar to the mixture.
If you don’t want to use more sugar in your cookies, you can also use a kind of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg for example.
5. Start With A Lower Temperature
When you’re baking cookies with olive oil instead of butter, you should also keep in mind that olive oil has a low smoke point.
This means that it’s much easier for the olive oil, and therefor the cookies as well, to burn at a higher temperature.
That’s why it’s best to start with a lower temperature than usual when baking your cookies so you can determine for yourself what the best temperature will be.
6. Add Extra Ingredients
Do you want to make your cookies extra special?
Try adding some additional ingredients like citrus zest or herbs for example.
This will give your cookies with olive oil an unique taste! It also works really well to balance the flavor of the olive oil itself, which is simply another advantage to adding some citrus zest.
You can add ingredients to change the texture of the cookies as well if you want to.
Add some chopped nuts or dried fruits for example.
This way, you can give your cookies a more interesting texture and they will have a nice crunch!
How Much Olive Oil Should You Use Instead Of Butter In Cookies?
When you want to use olive oil instead of butter while baking your cookies, it’s important that you use the correct ratio for this change to the recipe.
Although many people would think that they can simply swap the butter for the olive oil, the ratio is actually a bit different.
If the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of butter, you should use ¾ teaspoon instead.
For every cup of butter, you should use ¾ cup of olive oil.
You can use this 1 for ¾ ratio for all of the different measurements in the baking recipe for cookies.
The reason that you should use less olive oil instead of butter is because butter is made from fat, milk solids and water.
If you would use the same amount of olive oil as butter in your cookies, they would become too greasy or goopy, because there’s too much liquid.
That’s why you only use ¾ of the measurements of butter you need.
Other Questions You May Have
Does the oil need to be at room temperature before using it in baking?
Oil does not need to be at room temperature before using it in baking. You can use it straight from the bottle, which can help save time and make the baking process more efficient. Whether you’re using vegetable oil, canola oil, or another type of oil, you can add it directly to your recipe without worrying about waiting for it to come to room temperature.
Can I use canola oil instead of butter in chocolate chip cookie recipes?
Canola oil can be a good substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookie recipes. It has a more neutral flavor than other oils, which allows the chocolate flavor to shine through. When using canola oil, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of oil for 1 cup of butter) and keep in mind that oil is a liquid fat, so it may change the texture of the final product.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of butter in cookie dough?
Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for butter in cookie dough. It provides a tangy flavor and helps keep the cookies moist. When using Greek yogurt, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of yogurt for 1 cup of butter).
Can I use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter in baking recipes?
Unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute for butter in baking recipes. It is a low-fat alternative that can help reduce the amount of calories and saturated fat in your baked goods. When using applesauce, use half the amount of butter called for in the recipe (1/2 cup of applesauce for 1 cup of butter).
Can I use walnut oil instead of butter in pie crusts?
Walnut oil can be a good substitute for butter in pie crusts. It has a rich flavor that pairs well with sweet desserts. When using walnut oil, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of oil for 1 cup of butter).
Can I use avocado oil instead of butter in banana bread?
Avocado oil can be a good substitute for butter in banana bread. It has a nutty flavor that complements the banana flavor. When using avocado oil, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of oil for 1 cup of butter).
Can I use refined coconut oil instead of butter in baking recipes?
Refined coconut oil can be a good substitute for butter in baking recipes. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, which makes it a good option for high-temperature baking. When using refined coconut oil, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of oil for 1 cup of butter).
Can I use peanut oil instead of butter in chocolate cakes?
Peanut oil can be a good substitute for butter in chocolate cakes. It has a more robust flavor that can enhance the chocolate flavor. When using peanut oil, use the same amount as you would butter (1 cup of oil for 1 cup of butter).
Do I need to adjust the amount of dry ingredients if I’m using oil instead of butter?
You do not need to adjust the amount of dry ingredients if you’re using oil instead of butter. However, keep in mind that oil is a liquid fat, so it may change the texture of the final product.
Can I use parchment paper instead of greasing the cookie sheet when using oil instead of butter?
You can use parchment paper instead of greasing the cookie sheet when using oil instead of butter. Parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I use a food processor instead of heavy equipment when making butterless cookies?
You can use a food processor instead of heavy equipment when making butterless cookies. A food processor can help mix the ingredients together quickly and evenly.
What are some good options for liquid fats to use in place of butter?
Some good options for liquid fats to use in place of butter include vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil. These oils have a high smoke point and a more neutral flavor than other oils.
Can I use cream cheese instead of butter in baking recipes?
Cream cheese can be a good substitute for butter in baking recipes. It provides a tangy flavor and a dense, moist texture.
Will using oil instead of butter change the flavor of my recipes?
Using oil instead of butter may change the flavor of your favorite recipes. However, the end result can still be delicious and may have a different, but equally tasty, flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Baking cookies with olive oil instead of butter is a great way to increase the nutrition value of your cookies and switch things up a bit.
However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when you’re using olive oil instead of butter for baking cookies.
If you want to make this switch, just keep in mind that you should use a high-quality olive oil and use it in the right ratio!
Also, don’t forget to add some additional ingredients for flavor and texture if desired.
With these tips, your cookies will be delicious and a nice spin on the traditional version!