Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies Recipe - Authentic Taste from Sweden

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 84 cookies

Introduction

Swedish Molasses Sugar 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 spices like ginger and cinnamon. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

History

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies have been a beloved treat in Sweden for generations. They are often enjoyed during the Christmas season, but can be enjoyed year-round. The warm spices and rich molasses flavor make these cookies a favorite among both children and adults.

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar
1.5 cups of margarine
2 eggs
0.5 cup of molasses
2 tsp of pure vanilla extract
4 cups of flour
3 tsp of ginger
3 tsp of cinnamon
1 dash of salt
4 tsp of baking soda

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
Cream together the first three ingredients.
Add the molasses and vanilla to the mixture.
Mix well and gradually add the dry ingredients.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Divide the dough into 7 equal sections.
Further divide each section into 12 pieces.
Roll each piece of dough into a ball and then roll it in sugar.
Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for the specified time.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
Use different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives the cookies a nice crunch on the outside.

- Be sure to not overbake the cookies, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but can also be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the sugar and margarine together helps create a light and fluffy cookie.

- Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading.

- Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives the cookies a nice crunch on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of molasses for a different flavor profile.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of the cookies.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies contain eggs and wheat.

Summary

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies are a sweet treat that are relatively low in calories and fat. They are a great option for those looking for a delicious dessert without too much guilt.

Summary

Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies are a delicious and classic treat that are perfect for any occasion. With warm spices and a rich molasses flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was tucked away in an old recipe book that my mother had passed down to me, filled with handwritten notes and scribbles in the margins. As I read through the ingredients and instructions for Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies, I knew I had to give it a try.

Growing up, my family didn't have many opportunities to try international cuisine. We lived in a small town where the grocery store carried mostly basic ingredients, and exotic spices were hard to come by. But as I got older, I became more curious about different cultures and the foods they enjoyed. So when I stumbled upon this recipe, I saw it as a chance to expand my culinary horizons.

I remember the first time I made these cookies. I gathered all the ingredients listed in the recipe: flour, sugar, molasses, butter, eggs, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The scent of the spices filled my kitchen as I mixed them together, creating a warm and comforting aroma that reminded me of the holiday season.

As the dough came together, I shaped it into small balls and rolled them in sugar before placing them on a baking sheet. I popped them into the oven and waited eagerly for them to bake. The minutes ticked by slowly, but finally, the timer dinged, and I pulled the cookies out of the oven.

They were a beautiful golden brown, with cracks on the surface that hinted at the chewy texture inside. I couldn't resist taking a bite right away, and as soon as the cookie touched my lips, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The flavors of molasses, cinnamon, and cloves danced on my taste buds, creating a symphony of sweetness and spice that I had never experienced before.

I shared the cookies with my family, and they were an instant hit. My children devoured them, begging for more, and my husband declared them the best cookies he had ever tasted. From that moment on, Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies became a staple in our household, a treat that we enjoyed on special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons.

Over the years, I have made these cookies countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I add a little extra cinnamon for a spicier kick, or I swap out the cloves for nutmeg for a milder flavor. But no matter how I change it, the essence of the recipe remains the same: a tribute to the culinary traditions of a far-off land.

I often wonder about the origins of this recipe. Did it come from a Swedish grandmother, passed down through generations of bakers? Or was it discovered by a curious cook like myself, seeking to recreate the flavors of a distant land? Whatever the case may be, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience a taste of Sweden in my own kitchen.

As I grow older, I find myself drawn more and more to the recipes of my past. Each dish tells a story, a connection to the people and places that have shaped my culinary journey. And as I continue to explore new flavors and techniques, I know that I will always hold a special place in my heart for Swedish Molasses Sugar Cookies, a recipe that has brought me so much joy and nostalgia over the years.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a sweet treat with a touch of spice, look no further than these cookies. They may not be the most traditional Swedish dessert, but they are certainly a delicious homage to a culture that has inspired me in more ways than one. And as you take your first bite, savoring the warm flavors and chewy texture, I hope you too will be transported to a kitchen filled with love, laughter, and the simple pleasure of homemade cookies.