Shortening vs Butter in Baking
Published 2026-10-31
Butter and vegetable shortening are both fats that make baked goods tender, but they behave differently. Butter brings flavor; shortening brings reliability and flakiness. Understanding the trade-off helps you choose the right one, or a mix of both, for pie crusts, biscuits, cookies and frosting.
What makes them different
Butter is about 80 percent fat with the rest mostly water and milk solids, which gives it rich flavor and helps baked goods brown. Shortening is 100 percent fat made from vegetable oils. It has a higher melting point and no water, so it stays solid longer in the oven. Shortening is also shelf-stable, so a can keeps in the pantry.
Pie crust and biscuits
Shortening makes very tender, flaky pie crusts that are easy to roll and hold crimped edges well. Butter crusts taste richer but can be harder to handle when warm. Many bakers use half butter and half shortening to get flavor and flakiness. The same idea works for biscuits: shortening for height and tenderness, butter for flavor.
Cookies and frosting
Cookies made with butter spread more and have crisp edges and a buttery taste. Cookies made with shortening stay thicker and softer. Shortening-based frosting holds its shape well in warm weather and pipes cleanly, which is why it is popular for decorated cakes. Adding some butter improves flavor.
Other uses and tips
Shortening is handy for greasing pans and for frying. Measure solid shortening by pressing it firmly into a measuring cup, or use baking sticks that have measurements marked on the wrapper. Keep the can closed and stored away from heat, and check the date on the label.
Keep everything cold for flaky pastry
For the flakiest pie crust and biscuits, keep the fat cold and work quickly. Cut shortening or butter into the flour until the pieces are the size of small peas, then add ice water a little at a time. Those small pieces of fat melt in the oven and create steam pockets, which form flaky layers. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling also makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking.
