These Soft Spiced Molasses Cookies blend the rich depth of molasses with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a tender, cake-like treat. Popular in colder months but enjoyable year-round, they offer a nostalgic bite of home-style comfort. The hand-marked variations on the original recipe reflect years of tweaking and personalization, speaking to its reliability and popularity. With options to add nuts or raisins, and swaps for butter or different flours, this adaptable recipe is a timeless baking favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup melted shortening (or butter, per notes)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 egg (large, beaten)
- 3½ cups flour (sifted )
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cloves
- ½ cup sour milk (or substitute with buttermilk or milk + vinegar)
- ¾ cup nuts (raisins, or both (optional))
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients
- Cream together the melted shortening, sugar, molasses, and beaten egg until well blended.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 3: Combine
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour milk, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
- Stir in raisins, nuts, or both if using.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto oiled baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each. Optionally, dot the center of each cookie with a raisin or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned and set.
Tips
- Swap shortening with softened butter for a richer flavor.
- Use buttermilk or milk + 1 tsp vinegar if sour milk isn’t on hand.
- Add ½ tsp ginger for extra spice.
- Fold in chopped dates or dried cranberries for a modern twist.
- Use white whole wheat flour for added fiber without heaviness.
- For holiday flair, sprinkle tops with coarse sugar before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 54mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
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