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Roses Soft Spiced Molasses Cookies
Soft spiced molasses cookies were a staple of mid-century American baking, valued for their long shelf life, warm spices, and comforting chew. This version blends molasses with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create a cookie that stays tender rather than crisp. Sour milk, a common old-fashioned baking trick, adds subtle tang and softness to the dough. These cookies were often baked in large batches for holidays, church suppers, and cookie tins, and their aroma alone could fill an entire house with the scent of fall and winter. Simple, sturdy, and deeply spiced, they remain a favorite for anyone who loves old-style baking with rich flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 42 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup melted shortening
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • ½ cup sour milk
  • ¾ cup nuts or raisins (or both)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream the Base

  • In a large bowl, combine melted shortening and sugar.
  • Mix until smooth and well blended.
  • Stir in molasses and beaten egg.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour milk.
  • Mix gently until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

  • Stir in nuts, raisins, or a combination of both until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

  • Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto oiled baking sheets.
  • Leave about 1 inch between cookies.
  • Dot each cookie with a raisin or nut if desired.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes.
  • Remove and cool on racks.

Tips

  • Use butter for richer flavor (cookies will spread more)
  • Chill dough for thicker cookies
  • Roll in sugar before baking for sparkle
  • Add chopped crystallized ginger
  • Use buttermilk instead of sour milk
  • Swap raisins for chopped dates
  • Add orange zest for brightness
  • Reduce cloves for milder spice
  • Bake 1 to 2 minutes less for extra softness

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 22mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword comfort food, holiday baking, molasses, old fashioned, soft cookies, vintage, warm spices