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SPice Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 285 kcal

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
        Keyword comfort food, handwritten recipe, heirloom, holiday baking, old-fashioned cookies, spice cookies, vintage recipe, warm spices
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