Handwritten recipe for Margates Molasses Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Soft Molasses Cookies with Ginger

Margates Molasses Cookies
Molasses cookies like these became especially popular in American home kitchens during the early 20th century, when molasses was an affordable and widely used sweetener. This handwritten recipe, dated March 3rd, 1934, reflects that era’s preference for bold, warming flavors and practical pantry staples. Molasses lends deep sweetness and moisture, while ginger provides a gentle heat that balances the richness of sugar and shortening. Unlike crisp rolled cookies, this style is soft and tender, designed for everyday enjoyment rather than decoration. These cookies were commonly baked for family tins, church socials, and holiday trays, prized for their long-lasting freshness and comforting spice.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg (large )
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream the Base

  • In a large bowl, beat shortening and sugar together until smooth.
  • Mix in molasses and egg until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix Liquids

  • Stir cold water into the mixture.
  • Dissolve baking soda into the batter.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Add ginger and salt.
  • Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Shape Cookies

  • Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized portions.
  • Roll into balls and place on a greased baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  • Cool briefly before transferring to a rack.

Tips

  • Roll dough in sugar before baking for a crackled top
  • Add cinnamon or cloves for extra spice
  • Chill dough slightly if too soft to handle
  • Bake shorter for softer cookies
  • Use dark molasses for deeper flavor
  • Add chopped walnuts for texture
  • Store in an airtight tin to keep soft
  • Pair with hot coffee or tea

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword comfort food, ginger, molasses, retro dessert, spiced cookies, vintage baking
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