Circle-O-Rangers
Circle-O-Rangers are delightful, spiced cookies that bring a unique twist to traditional baking. With a blend of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, they offer a warm, comforting flavor perfect for cozy gatherings. These cookies are ideal for family events or as seasonal treats to share with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, soda, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Cream together sugar and shortening.
- Stir in molasses, boiling water, and coconut.
- Blend in the dry ingredients gradually.
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- Roll out 1/3 of the dough at a time on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 375° for 7 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of regular sugar. If you're short on time, you can skip chilling the dough, but doing so helps with rolling out and shaping. If you don't have coconut, chopped nuts can be a great substitute. Keep in mind that for a spicier kick, adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies make a delightful treat on their own or paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a glass of Cranberry Wassail during the holidays. They also complement well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Circle-O-Rangers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze well; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Circle-O-Rangers contains roughly 115 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Substitute the shortening with a plant-based butter and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly. The molasses and coconut are already vegan, so you can enjoy this delicious treat without any animal products.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, try chilling it for longer or adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. Make sure your work surface is well-floured as well. This will help you roll it out to the desired thickness without it sticking.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth and complexity. Just keep in mind to adjust the quantities to suit your taste; a little goes a long way in enhancing the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).