What can i subsitute shortning for?!
Answers: in sugar cookies?
Well, yes and no to the applesauce answer. It will work, but you have to be very careful when mixing or your cookies will be tough. Shortening keeps the gluten in the flour from becoming too strong and making for tough cookies. If you are using applesauce, mix very gently and just until combined. Do not try to get all of the lumps out, or by the time you do, those will be some tough cookies.
Equal amounts of applesauce.
butter
Substitute virgin (or extra virgin) coconut oil, butter or a good quality vegetable oil (or combination of two or more to equal your recipes requirements).
I use sunflower oil in my favourite chocolate cookie recipe - I tend to use a little less (you will have to gauge how much yourself) and if I want a softer, chewier cookie I need to bake it for less time than the minimum time requirements.
If you can find it, non-hydrogenated shortening is a healthier alternative and can be substituted cup for cup in almost any recipe from baking to frostings. It is normally made out of organic palm kernel oil and can be found at most health food stores.
Happy baking!