These vintage spice cookies are packed with warm, aromatic flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. A staple of nostalgic holiday baking, the recipe showcases three distinct variations: Spice Cookies, Sugar Cakes, and Gingerbread Cookies. Ideal for gifting or sharing at festive gatherings, they highlight classic American cookie traditions rooted in pantry staples and cozy, homey flavors.
Ingredients
For Spice Cookies:
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 4 cups flour
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
For Sugar Cakes:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 cup margarine
For Gingerbread Cookies:
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup molasses
- 2 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tbsp ginger
- 3 cups flour
Instructions
SPICE COOKIES
Step 1:
- Cream together brown sugar, shortening, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
Step 2:
- Mix in all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and spices.
Step 3:
- Chill dough for 2 hours.
Step 4:
- Shape and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
SUGAR COOKIES
Step 1:
- Cream margarine, cream cheese, and sugar together until smooth.
Step 2:
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, almond extract, and milk.
Step 3:
- Add salt and flour gradually.
Step 4:
- Chill dough for 2 hours, shape, and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
GINGERBREAD COOKIES
Step 1:
- Cream shortening and molasses together.
Step 2:
- Mix in dry ingredients: baking soda, cloves, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and flour.
Step 3:
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
Step 4:
- Shape and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips
- Add 1 to 2 tbsp molasses for a deeper, richer spice flavor.
- Replace shortening with butter for a softer, more tender cookie.
- Swap the cardamom (handwriting unclear) for nutmeg or allspice if preferred.
- Roll dough in coarse sugar before baking for sparkle and crunch.
- Add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Stir in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Use half whole-wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Make them into sandwich cookies with a vanilla or cream-cheese filling.
- Add orange zest to brighten the spice profile.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months and bake as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
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