Soft Molasses Cookies

Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe | American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Soft molasses cookies are a classic treat that are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving a sweet and spicy cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of warm flavors like molasses and ginger.

History

Molasses cookies have been a popular treat in America since the 19th century. Molasses was a common sweetener in colonial times, and it was often used in baking to add flavor and moisture to cakes and cookies. The combination of molasses, ginger, and other spices in these cookies creates a rich and complex flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 cup of sugar
1 cup of shortening
1 egg
1 cup of molasses
1 cup of sour milk or buttermilk
4.5 cups of flour
3 tbsp of flour
4 tsp of baking soda
2.5 tsp of ginger

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine sugar, shortening, egg, and molasses.
Next, mix together flour, soda, salt, and ginger.
Gradually add milk and flour to the mixture, blending well.
Drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto greased cookie sheets.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 7 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the sugar, shortening, and egg together thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cloves to the dough.

- To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these soft molasses cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming: Creaming the sugar, shortening, and egg together creates a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.

- Mixing: Be sure to mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

- If you prefer a spicier cookie, you can increase the amount of ginger or add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the dough for these cookies ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange these soft molasses cookies on a pretty platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These soft molasses cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of red wine for a sophisticated treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of soft molasses cookies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of soft molasses cookies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of soft molasses cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of soft molasses cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Soft molasses cookies are a good source of iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

Soft molasses cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide a small amount of protein.

Summary

Soft molasses cookies are a classic treat that is perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and full of warm, spicy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Soft Molasses Cookies. It was during one of my many visits to my dear friend Sarah's house. Sarah was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to trying whatever new treats she had whipped up in her cozy kitchen.

On this particular day, the scent of warm spices and sugar greeted me as soon as I walked through the door. I knew instantly that Sarah had been busy baking, and my mouth watered in anticipation of what she had in store for me. As we sat down at her kitchen table with steaming mugs of tea, Sarah presented me with a plate of the most beautifully golden-brown cookies I had ever seen.

"These are my Soft Molasses Cookies," she said with a smile. "They're an old family recipe that has been passed down for generations. I think you'll love them."

I took a bite of the cookie and instantly fell in love. The soft, chewy texture and rich flavor of molasses and spices danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more. I begged Sarah for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me.

Over the years, I have made these Soft Molasses Cookies countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. But the memory of that first bite at Sarah's kitchen table will always stay with me, a testament to the power of good food and good friends.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, I can't help but think of all the wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one has its own story, its own special place in my heart. And each one brings back memories of the people and places that have enriched my life in so many ways.

I remember the time my own grandmother taught me how to make her famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet, tangy filling. She would always say that the secret to a good pie was love, and I have carried that sentiment with me throughout my own culinary adventures.

I remember the summer I spent working at a bakery in Paris, learning the art of French pastries from a master pastry chef. The delicate croissants, the buttery madeleines, the rich chocolate tarts - each one a work of art that filled me with awe and inspiration.

I remember the day I stumbled upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall bakery in a small Italian village, where an elderly woman showed me how to make the most perfect cannoli I had ever tasted. Her hands were gnarled and weathered, but they moved with a skill and grace that spoke of a lifetime of practice and passion.

And now, as I pull a fresh batch of Soft Molasses Cookies out of the oven, I can't help but feel grateful for the rich tapestry of experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Each recipe, each story, each moment shared with loved ones around the kitchen table - they all come together to create a legacy of love and nourishment that will endure long after I am gone.

So, as I sit down to savor a warm, gooey cookie and a glass of cold milk, I raise a toast to all those who have passed on their culinary wisdom to me, to all those who have shared their recipes and their stories, and to all those who continue to inspire me to create and explore in the kitchen. Here's to good food, good friends, and the timeless joy of sharing a delicious meal with those we hold dear. Cheers!