Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of holiday spices with these delightful Molasses-Spice Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a warm embrace for your senses, making them a beloved classic during the festive season. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
¾ cup Crisco shortening (or your preferred brand)
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon allspice
Sparkling white sugar (for rolling)
Directions:
Cream the Shortening and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft cookie texture.
Add the Egg and Molasses:
Mix in the egg and molasses until well combined. The molasses not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
Shape and Roll:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in sparkling white sugar for a festive touch.
Bake:
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 11 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking. The cookies should look slightly puffed and set.
Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Beverages: These cookies go exceptionally well with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Consider serving them with a spiced chai or a creamy latte to enhance the flavor experience.
Add a Sweet Dip: For a twist, serve the cookies alongside a sweet dip like cream cheese frosting or a warm caramel sauce for dipping. This adds an extra layer of indulgence!
Cookie Platter: Incorporate these cookies into a holiday cookie platter along with other festive treats. Their unique flavor profile makes them a standout option on any dessert table.
Presentation: Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an elegant touch. This makes them not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Holiday Gifting: Package the cookies in decorative tins or boxes as thoughtful homemade gifts. Include a handwritten note or recipe card for a personal touch.
Storage Tips:
Cool Completely: Ensure that the cookies are completely cooled before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy cookies.
Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. If stored properly, they can last for about 1 week.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookies. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Freezing for Later: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Prevent Sticking: If stacking the cookies in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I substitute the shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Crisco shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Keep in mind that using butter will give the cookies a richer flavor, while coconut oil may add a subtle coconut taste.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Molasses-Spice Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately according to the package instructions to help with texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in ½ to 1 cup of your favorite nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. This will create a delightful variation of the classic recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are slightly puffed and the edges appear set, with the centers still looking a bit soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry cookies.
Conclusion:
These Molasses-Spice Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the holiday season. With their warm spices and chewy texture, they’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch of these delightful cookies to share the warmth and joy of the season with loved ones!
📖 Recipe:
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Molasses-Spice Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the warmth of the holidays with these delightful Molasses-Spice Cookies, infused with aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Perfectly chewy and rolled in sparkling sugar, these cookies are an easy-to-make classic that will fill your home with a comforting scent. Ideal for sharing with family and friends or packaging as a thoughtful holiday gift, these cookies are sure to be a favorite treat!
Ingredients
¾ cup Crisco shortening (or your preferred brand)
1 cup white sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon allspice
Sparkling white sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening and white sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and molasses until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until fully incorporated.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in sparkling white sugar.
- Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 11 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra rich flavor, substitute Crisco with unsalted butter.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for a delightful variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
- Calories: 130 kcal per cookie
Keywords: Molasses-Spice Cookies, holiday cookies, chewy cookies, spiced cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive baking, molasses cookies, homemade cookies, classic holiday treat
