HELP: Sugar Adjustment for Cookie Recipe

Ok, I have a rather nice cookie recipe that I like, but it is a bit too sweet for my taste.  I'd like to reduce the brown sugar (to around 3/4 cup) but am afraid that it will ruin the consistency of the cookie.  Any suggestions?

This is the current recipe:

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1-1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 apple juice, divided
2-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup apples, peeled and shredded

Hmmm... I'd say you can only try and see. Another thing to consider is switching apple juice for water unless the cookie needs the apple taste. That juice is adding a lot of sweetness, too.

Cait I have reduced the sugar in quite a few recipes and they seem to work out okay.  Perhaps compare it to similar recipes to see what ratios they use?

That seems like a lot of sugar to me and I think you could safely decrease by 1/4 to 1/2 cup.  I have taken out a whole cup before in banana bread.

good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions, ladies.

I've also decreased sugar in recipes before and have had good results, but have never tried with cookies.  I'd like to keep the apple juice to rev up that apple taste.

I made a batch last night and they were just too sweet for me.  I also -- after prepping most of the ingredients -- realised that I didn't have any baking soda (used the last of on the carpet!), so had to use baking powder.  The cookies are a bit cakey, but I do think I'll try a second batch with less sugar and the proper ingredients.