Go Back
+ servings
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.
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 363 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

        • Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
        • Add chopped nuts or raisins for texture.
        • Roll in sugar before baking for a crunchy top.
        • use cookie cutters for festive shapes.

        Nutrition

        Calories: 363kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 262mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 284IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 2mg
        Keyword butter cookie, ginger, molasses, vintage baking
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!